Gimnasia past Velez in Argentina's Primera Division

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

Marcelo Torres and Jeremias Merlo scored as Gimnasia beat Velez Sarsfield 2-0 at home in Argentina's Primera Division on Monday.

Torres opened the scoring just after the half hour by combining with Alejandro Piedrahita before smashing a low drive into the far corner.

Piedrahita was again the provider in the 68th minute when his defense-splitting pass released Merlo, who rounded goalkeeper Tomas Marchiori before slotting the ball into an empty net.

Gimnasia rose to 10th in Group B with 19 points, 12 behind leaders Rosario Central, while Velez is fourth with 25 points.

Elsewhere on Monday, Santiago Montiel struck in the 95th minute to give Independiente a 1-0 win at Deportivo Riestra.

It marked Independiente's third straight victory, lifting the club to 12th in the 15-team Group B with 15 points, 12 behind second-placed Riestra.