River Plate grab top spot after 2-1 away win over Estudiantes

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River Plate held off a late push by Estudiantes de La Plata on Saturday to secure a 2-1 victory that moved them into the top spot in Group B of the Argentine Primera Division Clausura tournament.

River Plate struck early when Giuliano Galoppo headed home from close range in the sixth minute. The visitors doubled their lead seven minutes later on a left-footed shot from Ignacio Fernandez that held up after a VAR review.

River Plate were then reduced to 10 men when Lucas Martinez Quarta was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in a span of three minutes late in the first half.

Estudiantes, desperate to find their way back, controlled much of the possession the rest of the way and got to within a goal after Santiago Nunezs second-half added time header from the centre of the box but ran out of time.

With the win, River Plate lead Group B on 18 points, two clear of Deportivo Riestra. Estudiantes are seventh in Group A on 12 points. REUTERS