Boca Juniors defeated Central Córdoba 2-1 at Estadio Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero, taking momentary leadership of Zone A in the Torneo Apertura. Goals from Alan Velasco and Milton Giménez secured the win for Claudio Úbeda's side, which fielded an alternative lineup. Michael Santos scored the consolation for the hosts.
The match, for matchday 9 of the Torneo Apertura, took place on Saturday with Nazareno Arasa refereeing and Lucas Novelli on VAR. Boca dominated the first half, suffering Juan Barinaga's injury at the 33rd minute, replaced by Marcelo Weigandt.
At the 43rd minute, Alan Velasco opened the scoring with a shot deflected by a defender, deceiving goalkeeper Alan Aguerre. One minute later, Milton Giménez extended the lead from Exequiel Zeballos' cross, similar to a previously disallowed goal for offside.
In the second half, Michael Santos pulled one back at the 13th minute from a free kick and headed assist, confirmed by VAR. Central Córdoba had chances to tie late, but Leandro Brey made a key save. Boca rested its starters for the Copa Libertadores match against Barcelona de Guayaquil next Tuesday in Ecuador.
With qualification secured, Boca ended the regular phase as partial Zone A leaders, awaiting results from Estudiantes de La Plata and Vélez. Boca leads the head-to-head with 8 wins in 13 meetings against Central Córdoba.
