Goalkeeper Navas shines in Newell s Old Boys 2 0 win over Boca Juniors

ROSARIO, Argentina - Newells Old Boys secured a 2-0 home win over Boca Juniors in the Argentine Primera Division Apertura tournament on Sunday, with goalkeeper Keylor Navas stopping a penalty from former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Edinson Cavani.

Luciano Herrera opened the scoring after five minutes, latching on to Carlos Gonzalezs precise header. The hosts doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Luciano Lollo headed home Ever Banegas cross.

Newells threatened to extend their lead minutes into the second half when Gonzalo Maroni and Carlos Gonzalez both had clear cut chances, but failed to convert.

Fernando Gagos side struggled to find their stride, and their hopes were dashed in the 54th minute when Navas made a dramatic save from captain Cavanis spot-kick, before keeping out Rodrigo Battaglias rebound.

I was calm when the penalty was awarded because I had Keylor, hes fantastic. Im very happy to have him. We were far superior to Boca, said Newells boss Cristian Fabbiani.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper, a former Costa Rica international, continued to impress, denying Exequiel Zeballos and Kevin Zenon as the rain poured down at the Marcelo Bielsa stadium to the delight of the home fans.

It was a very bad game, we didnt find situations to attack our opponents. I dont see it as a setback because its a loss, we have to keep working, Boca coach Fernando Gago told a press conference.

We werent that good before and were not that bad now. So the work will continue. Were still in a good position to keep fighting in the standings and fighting as high as possible, he added.

Boca dropped to second in Group A on 23 points and host Barracas Central on Sunday. Newells are 11th on 11 points. REUTERS

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