BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- River Plate squandered the chance to overtake rivals Boca Juniors at the top of the Argentinian Superliga standings on Sunday, stumbling to a 1-0 home defeat to San Lorenzo.
Adolfo Gaich put the visitors ahead with a powerful finish in the 16th minute after latching onto Angel Romero's pass.
With 76 percent of possession and 23 shots on target to eight, the hosts dominated for long periods but were unable to capitalize on the scoresheet.
Their frustrations boiled over late in the match when Exequiel Palacios and Nicolas de la Cruz were both sent off in the final 15 minutes for fouls that earned them direct red cards.
It was River's second defeat in three matches and left them fourth in the standings, two points behind Boca Juniors, Argentinos Juniors and Lanus, who have 29 points apiece. San Lorenzo are 12th, six points off the pace.
Earlier on Sunday, Boca Juniors lost 1-0 at Rosario Central after a 17th-minute strike from Sebastian Ribas.
