(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-12-03 09:24

BUENOS AIRES - Modest Lanus won the Argentine championship for the first time in their 92-history on Sunday, wrapping up the title with a 1-1 draw at Boca Juniors.

Tigre, the only team with a chance of catching them, had two players sent off in a 1-0 defeat at Argentinos Juniors.

Lanus, from the sprawling southern suburbs of Buenos Aires, finished their campaign with 38 points from 19 games, four ahead of Tigre and another three clear of third-placed Boca.

Needing only a draw, Lanus went ahead eight minutes before halftime when striker Jose Sand outjumped the Boca defence at a corner to head his 15th goal of the competition.

Boca took control in the second half and Uruguay forward Carlos Bueno missed two good chances after the re-start.

The South American champions finally equalised in the 67th minute when striker Martin Palermo scored at the second attempt after his first effort was saved by Mauro Bossio.

Three minutes later, Boca had Colombian midfielder Fabian Vargas sent off for a wild tackle on Sebastian Blanco.

Tigre, back in the top flight after a 27-year absence, fell to a 56th-minute penalty converted by Pablo Barzola at Argentinos Juniors.

Tigre's Juan Blengio was sent off after being given a second yellow card for the foul which resulted in the penalty. The visitors also had Santiago Morero dismissed in the 84th minute for a second bookable offence.

In matches played on Saturday, River Plate's misery continued as they lost 4-0 at lowly Olimpo while Racing Club had three players sent off in a 3-0 defeat by Osvaldo Ardiles's Huracan.