Estudiantes and Newell’s Old Boys draw 1-1

LA PLATA — Estudiantes de la Plata and Newell’s Old Boys, in the debut of their coach Gerardo Martino, drew 1-1 yesterday at the Ciudad de La Plata stadium in a match for the opening round of the Clausura Tournament.

The hosts went ahead in the 35th minute with a penalty scored by striker Mauro Boselli, but forward Maximiliano Urruti equalized for Newell’s in the 49th.

Estudiantes’ captain and playmaker Juan Sebastián Verón suffered an injury and had to be replaced in the 51st minute.

Also yesterday, Belgrano and All Boys drew 0-0 in a boring game in Córdoba.

On Friday, Boca Juniors weathered a whirlwind start from Olimpo to open the defence of their Argentine league title with a 2-0 home win and extended their unbeaten run to 30 matches.

San Lorenzo had their hopes of a winning start to the Clausura Tournament to edge away from relegation danger shattered in a 4-1 defeat at Lanús.

Urged on by a packed Bombonera bedecked in their blue and yellow colours, Boca found their feet after the opening 10-minute onslaught during which they were mostly forced into their own half and captain Juan Román Riquelme came in for close attention from Olimpo’s defenders.

Riquelme was involved, however, when Boca broke the deadlock four minutes from halftime. His chipped centre from the left edge of the box was headed down into the middle by winger Pablo Mouche, who looked marginally offside, for striker Darío Cvitanich to blast home.

Boca went further ahead when Riquelme delivered a well-weighted pass to Mouche, who found the net at the second attempt in the 66th minute.

Today: Clausura Tournament first round — 5pm: Rafaela v Banfield. 7.10pm: Vélez v Godoy Cruz; Racing v Tigre. 10.10pm: Argentinos v Unión. National B Division Tournament 20th round — 5pm: Chacarita v River. 8pm: Patronato v Desamparados; Quilmes v Boca Unidos.