River Plate loses 3-1 in Astrada's debut

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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Dario Gandin, Ignacio Patti and Andres Silvera scored in the first half to give Independiente a 3-1 win over River Plate on Monday and hand Leonardo Astrada a tough welcome as new River coach.

Independiente improved to 16 points after the eighth round of Argentina's Apertura tournament, one behind leaders Estudiantes and Velez.

Gandin opened the scoring for Independiente in the 10th minute, before Patti extended the lead in the 28th. Silvera found the net five minutes later to make it 3-0 heading into halftime.

Marcelo Gallardo scored from a penalty for River Plate in the final minute.

Astrada was named coach last week, replacing Nestor Gorosito who resigned after a 2-1 loss against San Lorenzo. Astrada previously coached River Plate in 2004-2005.

Other league matches were spread out over almost a week. The results: Tigre 2, Huracan 2; Banfield 1, Tucuman 1; Godoy Cruz 1, Newell's 1; Colon 4, Arsenal 1; Velez 1, Argentine Juniors 0; Racing Club 1, Boca Juniors 2; Chacarita 0, San Lorenzo 2; Rosario Central 1, Gimnasia 1; Estudiantes 1, Lanus 1.

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