In a tense encounter at La Bombonera, Boca Juniors edged out Barracas Central with a narrow 1-0 victory on April 6, 2025, reclaiming the top spot in Group A of the Torneo Apertura 2025. The match was marked by a solitary goal from Rodrigo Battaglia, who found the net just before halftime, securing three crucial points for the Xeneize.
The game started with Boca Juniors dominating possession, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, Barracas Central, managed by Rubén Darío Insúa, opted for a defensive strategy, looking to capitalize on counterattacks. The first clear chance came from Boca’s Lucas Blondel, who tested Barracas goalkeeper Marcos Ledesma early on.
As the first half unfolded, both teams had moments of controversy. Boca Juniors’ Edinson Cavani thought he had scored the opener with a stunning bicycle kick, but the goal was disallowed by referee Fernando Echenique due to a foul on Ledesma. This decision sparked protests from the Boca players, but Echenique remained firm.
Despite the setback, Boca continued to apply pressure. In the 39th minute, Battaglia connected with a precise cross from Lautaro Blanco at the second post, sending the ball into the back of the net to give Boca the lead. The goal was a significant boost for the home side, especially after the earlier disallowed effort.
The second half saw Boca looking to extend their lead, but Barracas Central began to find their rhythm, creating a few dangerous opportunities. At the 14-minute mark, Rafael Barrios came close to equalizing, but his shot failed to hit the target. Meanwhile, Boca’s Cavani had another goal ruled out, this time for offside, as Carlos Palacios was flagged for being in an illegal position during the build-up.
As the match progressed, Boca made strategic substitutions, bringing on Aguirre and Velasco for Cavani and Palacios to maintain their advantage. Barracas also made changes, introducing Toro Morales, who was on loan from Boca, in hopes of finding an equalizer.
Despite their best efforts, Barracas Central struggled to penetrate Boca's defense, which held firm under pressure. Boca’s goalkeeper, Agustín Marchesín, was rarely tested, thanks in part to the solid performances from defenders Marcos Rojo and Rodrigo Battaglia.
As the final whistle approached, the match intensified, with Barracas pushing forward for a late equalizer. However, Boca's defense remained resolute, holding on to their slim lead. The referee added four minutes of stoppage time, during which both teams fought hard, but neither could find the back of the net.
With this victory, Boca Juniors climbed to the top of Group A with 26 points, two points ahead of Tigre, who will face Newell's on April 7. Boca’s next match will be against Belgrano in Córdoba on April 12, while Barracas remains in seventh place with 17 points, still in contention for a playoff spot.
The match showcased Boca’s resilience after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Newell's in their previous outing, highlighting their ability to bounce back in front of their home fans. Coach Fernando Gago expressed satisfaction with the performance, particularly praising Battaglia for his decisive goal.
In summary, Boca Juniors demonstrated their strength and determination in a tightly contested match, reaffirming their status as serious contenders in the Torneo Apertura 2025. The upcoming fixtures will be critical as they aim to maintain their lead and secure a spot in the playoffs.
