Estudiantes wasteful

The home side took full advantage of the absence of Juan Sebastian Veron and went ahead after 24 minutes when Alejandro Delorte set up the opener for Gabriel Hauche.

Delorte doubled the advantage after the break and although Mauricio Carrasco cut the deficit with a volley, Estudiantes were unable to rescue a point.

"We suffered from the absence of Juan Sebastian Veron," said Estudiantes' coach Roberto Sensini.

"He is a key player for us but we must continue to work."

River Plate could take sole possession of first place if they beat Boca Juniors in their big derby match on Sunday evening (Monday AEST).

Meanwhile, Independiente moved within four points of first place after hammering Newell's 3-0 in Miguel Angel Santoro's final match as coach.

Striker German Denis scored twice and Uruguayan defender Guillermo Rodriguez completed the rout as new Independiente coach Claudio Borghi watched on from the stands.

Colon returned to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Banfield.

Midfielder Leonardo Prediger opened the scoring after 60 seconds but the visitors got back on level terms with an own goal by goalkeeper Sebastian Blazquez.

However, Colon opened up a 3-1 lead in the second half with a brace by Ruben Ramirez before Dario Cvitanich grabbed a late consolation goal for Banfield, who finished with 10 men after Javier Villarreal saw red for a bad foul on Rodrigo Diaz.

In a clash between two side battling relegation, Olimpo edged San Martin 1-0 with a goal by Leandro Gonzalez on the stroke of half-time.