BUENOS AIRES, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Mauro Mendez scored late as Banfield edged to a 2-1 away win over Newell's Old Boys in the Argentine Primera Division Clausura tournament on Sunday.

Rodrigo Auzmendi gave his side the lead just before halftime by running onto Tomas Adoryan's pass and thumping a first-time effort into the far corner.

Ever Banega equalized with a free kick that left goalkeeper Facundo Sanguinetti stranded after taking a deflection off the wall.

Mendez restored his team's lead in the 73rd minute with a free kick that also ricocheted into the net off a defender.

Banfield withstood a tense final 15 minutes to go top of Group A with four points from two games, a point ahead of fifth-placed Newell's Old Boys.

Elsewhere in Argentina's top flight on Sunday, Independiente Rivadavia won 3-0 at Barracas Central, Tigre claimed a 2-1 home victory over Argentinos Juniors, Racing won 1-0 at Belgrano and Talleres Cordoba prevailed 2-1 at Independiente. ■