Tevez scores hat-trick as Corinthians beat Santos 7-1
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-07 10:06

Estudiantes deny Velez chance to go top in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Velez Sarsfield missed a chance to spend at least one night on top of the Argentine championship when they slumped to a surprise 2-0 home defeat to Estudiantes on Sunday.

Agustin Alayes stunned the hosts when he headed home Marcelo Carrusca's free kick in the 35th minute and Carlos Alano sealed the points in injury-time as he broke down the left, eluded goalkeeper Gaston Sessa and scored into an empty net.

Velez, who have 26 points from 12 games, are second in the table, one behind leaders Boca Juniors who have a chance to go four points clear when they visit Banfield on Monday.

Coached by 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Burruchaga, Estudiantes moved up to third place on 22 points, ahead of their neighbours Gimnasia-La Plata on goal difference.

Both sides played the second half with ten men after Marcos Angeleri of Estudiantes and Marcelo Bustamente of Velez were sent off for fighting in the 45th minute.

In the only other match played on Sunday, former Argentina forward Ariel Ortega converted a penalty as Newell's Old Boys came from behind to beat local rivals Rosario Central 2-1.

German Rivarola headed Rosario ahead in first-half injury-time, three minutes after they had Ricardo Moreira sent off for elbowing.

Rivarola turned villain eight minutes into the second half when he handled in the area and Ortega fired home the penalty before Ezequiel Garay headed the winner for Newell's.

It was the first win for Newell's in three matches under coach Nery Pumpido, who was goalkeeper in Argentina's 1986 team, and their third in 13 outings in the competition.