Superstar Lionel Messi was absent as he recovered from an injury sustained in the Copa America final. Angel Di Maria is not retiring. But the Argentinian footballers did not feel their absence at all. Albiceleste strengthened the top position by defeating Chile 3-0.
The reigning champions host Chile at their home ground, the Stadio Monumental Stadium, on Friday (September 6). From the beginning of the match, Lionel Scaloni's disciples attacked one after another. In the 10th minute of the match, Argentina could have gone ahead if Alvarez's volley from the small D-box was on target in the confusion caused by Rodrigo de Paul's corner. In the 21st minute, Chile goalkeeper Gabriel Arias jumped over Nicolas Gonzalez's head from De Paul's free kick.
Cornered Chile had the best chance of the first half in stoppage time, but Mauricio Isler's cross was deflected onto the post after Matias Catalan's header eluded Emiliano Martinez. The two teams went into the break with a scoreless draw.
Argentina got the desired goal at the beginning of the second half. In the 48th minute of the match, De Paul's cross was controlled by Alvarez in the Chilean box. Liverpool star Mac Allister scored from Alvarez's pass from the right side of the box to lead the Albiceleste.
After receiving the goal, Argentina increased the attacking edge. However, Argentina had to wait until the 84th minute of the match to get the second goal. Alvarez made the scoreline 2-0 with a great left foot shot from outside the box. The Argentinian striker's shot, newly signed to Atletico Madrid, hit the bar post and found its way into the Chilean net.
Alejandro Garnacho could not find the goalkeeper alone with a through pass from his own half in the last minute of the scheduled time. However, in the next minute, after receiving the ball from Garnacho, Paulo Dybala scored a great corner shot. As Messi was not present, he wore the number 10 jersey and entered the field.
The three-time world champions were already on top of the table. They consolidated the top position with 18 points from six wins in 7 matches. The Albicelesta are now 5 points ahead of second placed Uruguay with 13 points from 6 matches.
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