Independiente‘s season long struggle was finally put to an end today after losing 1-0 in Avellaneda to San Lorenzo. The Buenos Aires giants have been on life support for some time now and Angel Correa’s second half goal and results elsewhere saw it stitched off. For the first time in their illustrious history Independiente will be playing outside the top flight leaving Boca Juniors as the only side not to experience this fate. Even if El Rojo had managed the home win the fans so desperately wanted, results went against them. San Martin de San Juan continued their remarkable return from the death. A 2-0 win over Estudiantes was their fourth consecutive win and now lifts them out of the relegation zone ahead of the final weekend. With San Martin’s victory Argentinos Juniors dropped into the bottom 3 despite winning 1-0 at home to Colon. With two places now confirmed it is an increasingly complicated situation to see who will accompany them. Quilmes and Atletico Rafaela still have 2 games to save themselves but with 4 teams still in contention it will be an exciting final weekend! SEE ALL THE GOALS AND READ MORE ABOUT THE RELEGATION SITUATION….

INDEPENDIENTE 0 – 1 SAN LORENZO

A pretty toothless performance from Independiente once again highlighted just why they are in this situation. Devoid of many ideas it was Angel Correa’s goal on the hour mark that was the only incisive moment of the game. A fine curled finish from the edge of the area punishing poor Independiente defending and putting an end to any hopes of survival. With San Martin and Argentinos Juniors both winning at the time it didn’t matter too much and so history was made and the tears flowed.

SAN MARTIN 2 – 0 ESTUDIANTES

A couple of months ago San Martin appeared lifeless and now after their fourth consecutive win they are out of the drop zone with their fate in their own hands. A deserved win over Estudiantes, a side who have not conceded in their past 6 games is proof of their resurgence. Estudiantes keeper, Geronimo Rulli helped them on their way with his failure to keep out Jorge Luna’s scuffed strike from distance. Sebastian Penco made sure of the victory by adding the second 10 minutes from time and they will be feeling confident ahead of the final day shootout.

ARGENTINOS JUNIORS 1 – 0 COLON

Argentinos too kept their hopes alive with a tight victory over Colon. Mad manager, Caruso Lombardi was sent off early after complaining about a foul, and possibly a penalty not given. Lombardi had, earlier in the week, suggested that San Lorenzo wouldn’t be too bothered in their game with Independiente, which in itself is slightly odd given Independiente’s result mattered very little. In his absence his side went onto win through Anangono Leon’s faint header.

And so far with one space left to fill to join Union and Independiente in Nacional B what is the situation?

Simply if either Argentinos or San Martin better the others result then they stay up. But in the event that they achieve the same result then the situation looks a lot more complicated. If they both win, it’s San Martin who survive, if they both draw a playoff will decide their fates and if they both lose then Argentinos will survive. Plus factor in that both Quilmes and Atletico Rafaela require at least a point from their two games.

Next weekend should be very interesting, especially if the title race is also still undecided, as Argentinos face Newell’s and San Martin play River Plate.