Defensa y Justicia defeated Newell's 2-1 at the Norberto Tomaghello stadium and earned an important win in round four of the Torneo Clausura. Goals from Fernando Román and Tomás Pérez carried Julio Vaccari's side through a late response from the Rosario club.
The Halcón opened the scoring after 32 minutes with a rehearsed move. César Pérez received a free kick played backwards and drove a low shot that deflected off Román before beating Josué Reinatti; the defender was credited with the 1-0 goal.
Newell's were reduced to ten men in the 40th minute when Jerónimo Russo collected his second yellow card. The numerical disadvantage restricted the visitors, although it did not stop them from creating a clear chance for Walter Mazzantti early in the second half.
Defensa extended the lead 23 minutes after the interval. An error by Martín Luciano left the ball inside the penalty area, Valentín Loza squared it and Tomás Pérez finished for 2-0 only a minute after coming off the bench.
Bruno Cabrera headed in Martín Ortega's corner after 38 minutes to set up a demanding finish. The hosts preserved their advantage, reached seven points and moved into third place in Group A, while Newell's remained on four in eighth.
Newell's will host Deportivo Riestra at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, in the next round. Defensa y Justicia visit Vélez at 7:15 p.m. on Monday the 17th with an opportunity to sustain the momentum secured in Florencio Varela.
