BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Racing Club won the Argentine first-division title on Sunday, defeating Godoy Cruz 1-0 to secure its first league championship in 13 years.
Ricardo Centurion scored the winner in the 48th minute for the Buenos Aires club.
Racing finished with 41 points, two clear of River Plate. River also played its final match Sunday and defeated Quilmes 1-0, Carlos Sanchez scoring in second-half injury time.
It was not enough as River needed to win and have Racing stumble in its final to have a chance of winning the league.
Like most Latin American countries, Argentina divides the season into two parts. This was for the first-half title.
River dominated the match but needed Centurion's short chip, following a cross from the right side, to take complete control in front of screaming home fans, among Argentina's most passionate. The club in known across the country as "La Academia."
The star all season has been Diego Milito, who returned to the club from Inter Milan. He started at Racing Club 15 years ago, left to play across Spain and Italy — and for Argentina's national team — before "going home."
River and Racing are regarded as two of the historic "Top Five" in Argentina football, joined by Boca Juniors, San Lorenzo and Independiente.
River won the continental Copa Sudamericana tournament on Wednesday and was hoping for a double.