Buenos Aires, Mar 2 (UNI) Angel Di Maria continued his prolific scoring form as Rosario Central secured a 2-0 away win against Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina’s Apertura tournament here.
World Cup winner Di Maria opened the scoring just after halftime in the Rosario derby by pouncing on a loose ball with a first-time volley into the far corner on Sunday.
Enzo Copetti doubled the advantage in the 81st minute when he tapped in from point-blank range following Jaminton Campaz’s header from a corner.
Newell’s managed just one shot on target, extending a winless run that has left it last in Group A with two points from eight games. Rosario Central is fourth in Group B with 14 points, two behind leader Independiente Rivadavia, according to Xinhua.
Newell’s manager Jorge Almiron praised Di Maria after the match, revealing that the former Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United winger had played with an injury.
The 38-year-old was substituted in the 61st minute to a standing ovation from the away fans.
“He suffered a muscle problem while training yesterday,” Almiron told reporters. “Any other player would have missed this game. He insisted that he was okay and he was super productive during his time on the pitch.”
Di Maria has now scored four goals and provided an assist in eight games so far this campaign. Elsewhere in Argentina’s top flight on Sunday, union won 2-1 at Instituto Cordoba, Argentinos Juniors was held to a 1-1 home draw by Barracas Central, Gimnasia La Plata drew 2-2 at Tigre, and Defensa y Justicia drew 1-1 at home to Lanus.
