Lescano fires Argentinos Juniors past Banfield

Alan Lescano scored late as Argentinos Juniors edged to a 3-2 home win over Banfield in Argentina's Apertura tournament on Monday.

Nicolas Oroz put the hosts ahead with a low effort from the edge of the penalty area after combining with Hernan Lopez.

Emiliano Viveros doubled the lead by pouncing on a loose ball and drilling a low 20-yard drive that left goalkeeper Facundo Sanguinetti with no chance.

The visitors pulled a goal back through David Zalazar, who danced around his marker before rifling a low strike into the far corner.

Banfield equalized courtesy of Mauro Mendez, who completed a swift counterattack by lifting a shot over Chilean goalkeeper Brayan Cortes.

But Argentinos Juniors regained the lead when Lescano intercepted a rushed clearance and thumped a 25-yard drive past Sanguinetti.

The result leaves Argentinos Juniors with 23 points, three behind Group B leader Independiente Rivadavia, and 10 ahead of Banfield.