River go joint top, Independiente nearing relegation

Buenos Aires: River Plate defeated Independiente 2-1 at home in the 17th matchday of Argentina`s first-division football championship.

Juan Manuel Iturbe opened the scoring for the hosts in the 21th minute Sunday before Manuel Lanzini doubled their lead on 62 minutes. Independiente secured a late goal through Daniel Montenegro in the 89th minute. River Plate have 32 points with two matches left in the championship, equal with Newell`s Old Boys, who will face relegated Union at home in Rosario Monday. Independiente are now on the verge of relegation with 21 points. If Argentinos Juniors defeat San Lorenzo Monday, Independiente will be relegated to division B. IANS