Independiente misses chance to top group in Argentine top flight

BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Franco Paredes scored a late own goal as Platense earned a 1-1 home draw with Independiente in Argentina's Primera Division Apertura tournament on Monday.

Platense gifted Independiente the lead in the 76th minute when Alvaro Angulo's shot flew into the far corner after taking a deflection off defender Ignacio Vazquez.

It was then the visitors' turn to rattle its own net as Paredes inadvertently chested the ball past Independiente goalkeeper Rodrigo Rey while attempting to defend a set piece.

The result leaves Independiente with 13 points from six games, a point behind Group B leaders Rosario Central and five points ahead of Platense.

"Own goals are accidents and for that reason I don't analyze them," a philosophical Independiente manager Julio Vaccari told a post-match news conference.

"This competition is so close and the greatest virtue of any team is the ability to adapt to different situations. Today Platense presented us with an uncomfortable challenge and we weren't able to overcome them."

In other Primera Division fixtures on Monday, San Lorenzo won 1-0 at Instituto Cordoba, Godoy Cruz prevailed 2-0 at Velez Sarsfield, Sarmiento secured a 2-1 home victory over Deportivo Riestra and Gimnasia edged to a 1-0 home win over San Martin. ■