Lanus have jumped into second place in the Argentina Apertura after Newell's Old Boys
were held to a goalless draw away to Boca Juniors.
Lanus were 2-1 winners over San Martin San Juan to move level on points with Old Boys, snatching second place on goal difference.
Diego Valeri put Lanus ahead after 33 minutes with Silvio Romero doubling the advantage from the penalty spot four minutes before the break.
Francisco Alarcon Cruz got one back for the visitors four minutes from time but Lanus did enough to hang on and move to within three points of leaders Velez Sarsfield.
Old Boys missed the chance to close the gap on Velez as they were unable to break down a physical Boca defence.
Racing Club are three points further back after a 49th minute strike from
Luciano Vietto was enough to see off Godoy Cruz 1-0 away from home.
The hosts'
chances of a comeback were dented considerably by the 66th minute dismissal of goalkeeper Nelson Ibanez.
Arsenal Sarandi added to the woes of struggling Tigre with a 1-0 win courtesy of a Lisandro Lopez strike seven minutes before half-time.