A commanding Boca Juniors performance puts the side on the verge of qualifying with ease for the Copa Libertadores knock-out stages, as they destroyed Zamora 5-0 in La Bombonera on their way to, barring disaster, a third successive win in the tournament.
Having taken down Palestino and Wanderers in their opening two matches, the Xeneize started as overwhelming favourites against the unfancied Venezuelans. Showing slick passing and movement, Boca wasted no time in living up to that title.
With just seven minutes on the clock midfielder César Meli took control of a rebound on the edge of the box and fired in a low half-volley, opening the score to the delight of the home fans. Uruguayan playmaker Nicolás Lodeiro subsequently doubled the advantage with a right-footed effort, capping a delightful collective move that started in the Xeneize half.
Dani Osvaldo almost made it three before Federico Carrizo made sure just before half-time with an excellent individual effort, albeit aided by some slack defending from the visitors.
Boca lowered the tempo after the break, resting key midfielder Fernando Gago. But there were more goals to come, and Osvaldo finally made the score-sheet as he converted the fourth goal of the night from close range. The ex-Roma and Inter man put the icing on the cask with a penalty nine minutes from time, rounding off a convincing show from the Xeneize.
Only the linesman’s flag a matter of minutes later prevented the striker from sealing a hat-trick, but it made little difference as the Bombonera celebrated.
With nine points Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s men lie top of Group 5. A win in their next game, away to Zamora, would assure qualification with two games to spare.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald