The new Argentine football season opened this weekend with a ban on away supporters attending matches as the football association attempts to stem fan violence.
The Argentine Football Association has failed to control endemic violence in the game and has been criticized for doing too little. The AFA says the violence is a social problem, not just a concern for football.
In matches on Sunday with no reports of major problems, River Plate failed to get the kind of start it needed with a 1-0 loss against Gimnasia after Lucas Licht scored from a penalty in the 74th minute.
In other results Sunday, San Lorenzo defeated Olimpo 2-1 and Lanus defeated Belgrano 3-0.
In addition to a ban on away fans, only club members are allowed to attend matches during the first two weeks. The ban on away fans may help, but some of the violence occurs among rival factions of hooligan groups supporting the same club.
San Lorenzo's Martin Cauteruccio scored in the 15th and then slotted home the winner two minutes from fulltime. Nahuel Benitez scored for Olimpo in the 25th.
Santigao Silva, who just moved to Lanus from Boca, scored in the 43rd and 60th minutes with Carlos Izquierdoz adding a header in the 70th.
In results on Friday and Saturday it was: Godoy Cruz 3, Argentinos Juniors 1; Arsenal 1, Estudiantes 1; All Boys 1, Atletico Rafaela 1; Tigre 1, Velez Sarsfield 2; Colon 1, Racing Club 1.
Newell's plays at Boca Juniors on Tuesday to complete the first round.
