BUENOS AIRES, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Independiente missed the chance to overtake River Plate at the top of Argentina's Primera Division Group A when the teams drew 1-1 at Estadio Libertadores on Saturday.
Miguel Borja's prolific scoring form continued as he gave River Plate the ideal start with a left-footed strike from outside the box into the top-right corner. The Colombian striker now has nine goals from eight appearances this campaign.
The hosts were jolted into action and Gabriel Avalos equalized by firing home from close range after Mauricio Isla's clever pass.
But Independiente struggled thereafter and were reduced to 10-men in second-half stoppage time when Ivan Marcone was shown a second yellow card for an ugly challenge on Pablo Solari.
The result leaves River Plate with 18 points from 10 games, ahead of second-placed Independiente on goal difference.
In other Argentine Primera Division fixtures on Saturday, Gimnasia La Plata won 2-0 at home to Barracas Central, Sarmiento eased to a 3-1 home victory over Estudiantes, Rosario Central won 1-0 at home to Instituto and San Lorenzo drew 0-0 at Platense. ■
