Maradona's Gimnasia crash to sixth straight defeat

BUENOS AIRES - Diego Maradona's Gimnasia y Esgrima suffered their sixth consecutive defeat on Monday, falling 2-1 at Talleres de Cordoba in the Argentine Superliga.

Jonathan Menendez gave the hosts an early lead from close range before Manuel Guanini headed in an equalizer just after halftime. Dayro Moreno restored his team's advantage from the penalty spot in the 74th minute after Nahuel Bustos was brought down by Marco Torsiglieri.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the finals minutes. First, Talleres midfielder Adrian Cubas was shown a second yellow card for a bad foul and then Gimnasia's Matias Garcia saw a straight red for a dangerous challenge on Juan Mendez.

Talleres missed the chance to extend their lead when Moreno struck a spot-kick against the post after Franco Fragapane was hacked down by German Guiffrey.

Maradona has now suffered two straight defeats since taking charge of Gimnasia earlier this month. The 1986 World Cup winner began his tenure with a 2-1 home defeat to defending Argentine Superliga champions Racing Club on September 15.

The club remains rooted to the bottom of the 24-team standings with just one draw and six losses this season.