Argentinian Boca Juniors» Juan Manuel Martinez (2-L) celebrates with teammates his goal against Ecuadorean Barcelona.
Boca Juniors put their Libertadores Cup campaign back on the rails with a 2-1 away win over Ecuador’s Barcelona in Guayaquil today.
The six times South American champions, who scored two goals in the space of four minutes in the second half, have struggled this year and suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Mexico’s Toluca in their first Group One match two weeks ago.
The four teams have each played two matches in the group with Nacional of Uruguay leading with four points, one more than Boca and Toluca with Barcelona on one.
Argentina forward Juan Manuel Martinez struck in the 59th minute, turning Lucas Viatri’s header into the net to give Boca the lead before centre back Claudio Perez, like Martinez a new Boca signing in January, added the second four minutes later with a header following a Nicolas Colazo free kick.
Ecuador winger Michael Arroyo pulled one back for Barcelona with a penalty two minutes into added time after defender Clemente Rodriguez brought down Juan Carlos Paredes.
It was a bad night for both teams from the Pacific port city of Guayaquil as Emelec went down 2-0 away to Deportes Iquique of Chile in Group Four.
After three matches, Velez Sarsfield of Argentina and Uruguays Penarol have six points and Emelec and Iquique three.
Iquique goalkeeper Rene Naranjo saved a penalty from Marcos Mondaini in the opening minute, setting the tone for a whirlwind start in the northern Chilean city of Iquique.
The Ecuadorean side hit the post through Edwin Valencia then Iquique went in front when Sebastian Ereros scored from midfielder Misael Davila’s fine pass and Manuel Villalobos made it two for the Chileans from a solo run in the 22nd minute.
Emelec defender Gabriel Achilier was sent off 12 minutes from time for elbowing an Iquique player.
buenosairesherald.com