Buenos Aires, Aug 26: Chilean striker Marcelo Salas scores his first goal since rejoining River Plate as the Argentine champions draw 2-2 in their derby at Independiente. Salas, who returned to the club where he made his name after an unhappy time in Italy with Juventus, was on target with a 56th minute header during a second-half spell which produced three goals in five minutes on Sunday (August 24). Christian Gimenez put Independiente ahead in the 54th minute but, after Salas equalised, defender Horacio Ameli gave the visitors the lead in the 58th. River, who lost their last two matches, appeared to be heading for a much-needed win until Jeremias Caggiano struck a last-minute equaliser for the Red Devils, coached by former Argentina captain Oscar Ruggeri. River ended the match with 10 men after substitute Alejandro Dominguez was sent off for insulting the referee in the last minute of the match. The result kept River in 14th place with four points from their first four games.


South American champions Boca Juniors, who did not play, stayed top with a maximum nine points from three outings, one ahead of Independiente, Newell's Old Boys and Chacarita Juniors.


Bureau Report