Title holders Banfield fielded a reserve side and were beaten 2-1 at Chacarita Juniors in the Argentine Clausura championship on Sunday. Banfield, who rested most of their first team players ahead of their opening South American Libertadores Cup match at home to Mexico's Morelia on Wednesday, went ahead through striker Cristian Garcia after ten minutes.

Chacarita hit back with goals from defender Lisandro Lopez, namesake of the Argentina striker who plays for Olympique Lyon, and Facundo Parra either side of halftime to boost their relegation average.

Meanwhile, striker Mauro Boselli and captain Juan Sebastian Veron, with a brilliant effort, scored first half goals to give Libertadores Cup holders Estudiantes a 2-0 home win over San Lorenzo.

Estudiantes, who were at full strength, open their defence of the South American title at home to Juan Aurich of Peru in La Plata on Thursday.

River Plate, without former Argentina forward Ariel Ortega who was dropped for arriving late for their match, were held 0-0 by Rosario Central at their Monumental stadium. They have taken four points from three matches.