Boca Juniors, it could be argued, are moving into a new era.
No Riquelme, no Palacio and no Palermo. None of Boca's big three were available on Sunday to play Huracan, but the chicos ran away with a confident 3-0 win.
Palermo, who found it difficult not to score in every game, is out all season after surgery on his knee. Such was the perceived gravity of the 34-year-old's injury, Boca's former coach Carlos Bianchi wrote an open letter to El Loco (the Crazy One) offering his support.
"You are a natural winner," Bianchi wrote. "You have a lot of confidence, and a quality that few possess. We know you'll come back and enjoy being the greatest goal scorer of the last 15 years".
Palermo: Gone (for now) but not forgotten
I know you may be choking back the tears here, but frankly Boca seem to be doing OK without him. In fact, the youngsters such as Noir, Gaitan and Lucas Viatri have all expressed their confidence in winning the league.
The real test will come in their upcoming international games, but - so far - the kids are united, and the only team to have a 100% winning record so far.
Racing finally win
Good news too for Racing, before which it is almost compulsory to put 'troubled', who won away from home 1-0 at Argentinos Juniors, for the first time since Noah built his arc, and the first time this season.
It may be scant relief, however, for players who are still locked in a dispute over payment of their wages and uncertainty over the situation of the clubs ownership.
Little guys lead
Former surprise champions Lanus have had a good start to the season, recording seven points from four games.
The winners of the 2007 Apertura confounded the experts to win the championship for the first time. This season fans are hoping for a repeat performance after a strong start.
Lanus: Upset the odds to triumph in 2007
The little team from the poor southern suburbs lack the star quality of Boca, River and San Lorenzo, but their team ethic and 'we can beat anyone' attitude has carried them far.
They currently hold third position, while perennial underachievers Colon (previous best place: runners up in 1997) are in second place. San Martin from the northern Tucuman province are in fourth while Tigre, runners up in 2007, sit in fifth place. River linger in 11th, Independiente in 8th and San Lorenzo 6th.
Other results
Tigre 1-2 San Martin
Lanus 3âÂÂ2 Gimnasia de Jujuy
Godoy Cruz 1âÂÂ3 Velez Sarsfield
Colon 1âÂÂ1 Newell's Old Boys
Central 0âÂÂ0 Banfield
Estudiantes 2âÂÂ0 Arsenal
River 0âÂÂ0 San Lorenzo
