BUENOS AIRES, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A first-half goal from former Porto and Lyon forward Lisandro Lopez gave leaders Racing Club a 1-0 home victory over Belgrano in the Superliga Argentina on Saturday.

The 36-year-old struck from close range in the second minute and the hosts defended resolutely thereafter to secure their 17th win of the season.

The result left Racing four points clear of second-placed Defensa y Justicia, who were due to face 25th-placed Patronato away on Sunday. Belgrano dropped to 21st in the 26-team standings with three rounds remaining in the season.

Meanwhile Agustin Bouzat and Pablo Galdames netted either side of halftime to fire Velez Sarsfield to a 2-0 home win over Atletico Tucuman.

Velez rose to sixth, behind fifth-placed Atletico Tucuman by two points and goal difference.

In other matches on Saturday, Argentinos Juniors overcame San Martin 3-2 and Union beat Lanus 3-0.