Posted: Friday October 2, 2009 10:43PM; Updated: Friday October 2, 2009 10:43PM

Banfield held to scoreless draw by Colon in Apertura

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Banfield missed the chance to move atop the Argentine league standings on Friday after being held to a 0-0 draw by Colon in the opening match of round seven in the Apertura tournament.

In Friday's other match, goals from Walter Acevedo and Carlos Matheu helped Independiente come from behind to win 2-1 against struggling Tigre. Carlos Luna opened the scoring for Tigre in the 16th minute.

The point moved Banfield into second place in the Apertura, between early leaders Estudiantes and defending champion Velez Sarsfield.

Independiente moved up to fourth, while Tigre remained next-to-last.

In Santa Fe, Colon and Banfield were both missing key strikers.

Banfield was without suspended Uruguayan forward Santiago Silva, the league's top scorer so far with six goals, while Colon's Esteban Fuertes missed out through injury.

A win would have put Banfield top ahead of the weekend's other matches, but Colon had the better of the early chances, going closest in the 26th minute with a Facundo Bertoglio strike that was well saved by Cristian Lucchetti.

Banfield recovered and should have taken the lead on the half hour when Cristian Garcia found himself onside after a deflected free kick but failed to beat Diego Pozo from close range.

The second half proved a disappointing affair with both sides apparently satisfied with a draw.

Saturday's matches are: Huracan vs. Racing Club; Argentinos Juniors vs. Estudiantes La Plata; Arsenal de Sarandi vs. Rosario Central and Newells Old Boys vs. Atletico Tucuman.

Under fire River Plate coach Nestor Gorosito faces a derby match Sunday against unbeaten San Lorenzo, coached by former River boss Diego Simeone.

In other Sunday matches, Gimnasia La Plata is against Chacarita Juniors, Boca Juniors takes on Velez Sarsfield and Lanus plays Godoy Cruz.