Racing win first title for 35 years

Racing Club, saved from bankruptcy two years ago when the Argentine government declared the hugely popular club part of the national heritage, won their first domestic title for 35 years on Thursday.

Racing, who have since become one of two clubs in the country to embrace a private administration, clinched the Apertura (Opening) championship when they drew 1-1 away to Velez Sarsfield.

They finished one point ahead of River Plate, whose 6-1 win over Rosario Central -- including a hat-trick from striker Martin Cardetti -- was in vain.

Around 30,000 Racing supporters, who have stood by their club throughout recent crisis, packed Velez' Jose Amalfitani stadium.

Another 40,000 watched the game on a giant screen at the Racing's own ground in the industrial district of Avellaneda. In contrast, only around 15,000 watched River in their 65,000 capacity Monumental stadium.

The two games were due to be played last weekend but were postponed following the riots which toppled President Fernando de la Rua last week and led to the deaths of 27 people.

The rest of last weekend's programme was postponed until next year, at a date still to be decided, due to security worries in the wake of the rioting.

Racing, needing a point for the title, went ahead through a headed goal from defender Gabriel Loeschbor early in the second half.

Mariano Chirumbolo equalised in the 77th minute, forcing Racing to survive a jittery finale in which Velez threatened to score the second goal which would have sent them to a play-off with River.

River took an early lead through Cardetti but, with half an eye on the Racing match, lost concentration and allowed Luciano de Bruno to equalise.

Guillermo Pereyra came to River's rescue when he headed them back in front just before halftime. River cruised through the second half with two more goals from Cardetti and one each from Ariel Ortega and Damian Alvarez.

HUGE DEBTS

The title completed a remarkable rise from the ashes for Racing, which has flirted with relegation for several seasons.

The club missed the start to the championship in 1999 as its huge debts threatened it with collapse. But, after around 50,000 fans took part in a demonstration demanding the club be saved, the government stepped in and the team was allowed to carry on playing.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) then changed its rules which until then banned clubs from being run as private enterprises.

Racing and second division Quilmes became the only clubs to bring in private management companies.

Despite the problems and title droughts, the club remained one of the most popular and loyally supported in Argentina.

Coach Reinaldo Merlo also enjoyed a huge change in fortunes.

Initially brought in with the task of saving the club from relegation, Merlo has led them to the title in less than three years ago.

Instead of calling for his head, as they were earlier in his reign, fans are now demanding that a statue of him in be erected in front of the stadium.