Argentine soccer giant River Plate scored a dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday to steal the lead of the league in the fifth tournament game.

The Daniel-Passarella-managed team had to play in the Velez Sarsfield stadium as a local because its home stadium is suspended. River Plate took the lead in 21st minute with a goal from Paulo Ferrari.

But visiting Arsenal struck back with a 55th minute goal from Cristian Llama. It took an extra-time (92nd minute) goal by Fernando Belluschi to bring River a much-deserved victory, ending Arsenal's unbeaten streak.

River was breaking a two-game losing streak: losing 1-2 last Sunday as a visitor against Argentinos Juniors and 0-1 at home against Venezuelan team Caracas, in the Libertadores Cup.

Also on Sunday, San Lorenzo tied 1-1 with Banfield, Gimnasia deLa Plata tied 0-0 with Belgrano, Newell's Old Boys defeated Argentinos 1-0, and Godoy Cruz trashed Colon 2-0.

Later on Sunday Lanus is to face Racing.

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2007)