BUENOS AIRES, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Striker Florian Monzon scored in the second half as Group A leader Velez Sarsfield edged to a 1-0 away win over reigning champion Estudiantes in Argentina's Apertura tournament on Monday.

Monzon broke the deadlock just before the hour in La Plata when he bundled in from close range after a scramble in the 18-yard box.

The hosts controlled 57 percent of possession but managed only one shot on target.

The result leaves Velez with 18 points, three clear of second-placed Estudiantes after eight games.

"It was an even contest but we took control when we needed to," Velez manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto told reporters.

"You have to have personality to play like we did today. We've been switched on from the first match of the season and we've created a lot of chances via our buildup play. We're doing a lot of things well."

Elsewhere on Monday, River Plate drew 1-1 at Independiente Rivadavia, Banfield won 2-0 at home to Aldosivi, and Deportivo Riestra was held to a goalless home draw by Platense. ■