Buenos Aires is a wonderful city.
I, personally, would say it is one of the greatest and most vibrant cites in the world. Of course I'm biased, but ask anyone who has been to Argentina's capital and I put money on it being a similar answer.
But it is far from perfect. This is still a third world country in many ways. Not that any visitors would necessarily notice, but there is a lot of poverty and, consequently, crime.
Worshipped though they are, football players are certainly not immune. The beginning of Federico Nieto's week couldn't have been better. He celebrated his first game in the Primera last Saturday with a goal in a 1-1 draw with Argentinos Juniors. But early on Monday morning, the 24-year-old forward was attacked and held captive for more than half an hour.
Travelling with his girlfriend in a brand new Audi, he was stopped by four teenagers who got into the car and drove them around for 30 minutes before dumping them, unharmed, and making off with the new car. (The thieves were evidently not Huracán fans and didn't recognise the player â perhaps they were San Lorenzo fans).
Despite the trauma it is likely this young player will be in the starting line up when they play Boca next weekend
Meanwhile, Independiente manager Pedro Troglio is attempting to 'do a Tony Blair'. Troglio has announced that he will step down from his role at the end of this season â the question now is, can he survive that long?
Independiente's president, Julio Comparada, denies that he has spoken to other coaches, but the Red Devils have only two unconvincing wins this season plus a draw against 10-man Boca (they haven't won at the Bombonera for 12 years) to go with a particularly dusty trophy cabinet.
Not surprisingly, then, many believe now is the time for a major shake-up at the team from Avellaneda.
"I'd love to go back to the year 1984 night and day, but we need time," says Comparada.
Unless, of course, Michael J Fox rolls up in a DeLorean to transport him back to their Copa Libertadores win. Maybe then a more effective team can be put in place.
Other results
Racing 0 - 1 San Lorenzo
Rosario Central 0 - 0 Colòn
Lanús 0 - 5 Banfield
San Martin (SJ) 1 - 1 Gimnasia
Argentinos 1 - 1 Huracán
Tigre 2 - 0 Olimpo
Vélez 1 - 0 Newell's Old Boys
Arsenal 3 - 3 Gimnasia de Jujuy
Estudiaantes 0 - 0 River
