In a thrilling match at La Bombonera, Boca Juniors returned to winning ways in the 2025 Campeonato Argentino, defeating Barracas Central 1-0 on April 6, 2025. The victory, secured by a goal from Rodrigo Battaglia, puts Boca at the top of Zone A, momentarily claiming the lead with 26 points.
The match started with Boca Juniors looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario. The Xeneize, managed by Fernando Gago, came into the game with a strong lineup, including star striker Edinson Cavani, who was eager to make his mark. The atmosphere in La Bombonera was electric as fans filled the stadium, excited to see their team in action.
In the first half, Boca dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Rodrigo Battaglia found the back of the net with a well-placed shot following a precise cross from Lautaro Blanco. This goal brought the home crowd to their feet, celebrating as Boca took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Despite Boca's strong performance, the match was not without controversy. Cavani had two goals disallowed for offside, which frustrated both the player and the fans. The first disallowed goal came in the 36th minute, and the second was ruled out shortly after halftime, as the referee, Fernando Echenique, called back a goal due to a foul on the goalkeeper.
As the second half progressed, Barracas Central, coached by Rubén Insúa, tried to find an equalizer. They pressed forward, but Boca's defense held firm. The visitors had a few chances, including a close shot from Manuel Duarte that sailed over the bar, but they struggled to break through Boca's organized backline.
In the final minutes of the match, Boca looked to secure their victory, making strategic substitutions to maintain their lead. Velasco and Aguirre replaced Cavani and Palacios, while Miguel Merentiel came on for Milton Giménez. Each substitution aimed to bolster Boca's defense as Barracas intensified their attack.
The referee added four minutes of stoppage time, heightening the tension as Barracas pushed for a goal. Boca's defense, led by Marcos Rojo and Battaglia, remained resolute, thwarting Barracas' attempts to level the score. The match ended with Boca maintaining their 1-0 advantage, much to the delight of their fans.
With this win, Boca Juniors solidified their position at the top of Zone A, showcasing their resilience after a tough loss last week. The team now looks ahead to their next matches, aiming to build on this momentum as they strive for the championship.
In contrast, Barracas Central remains in seventh place with 17 points, showing promise with their recent performances, including a 2-1 victory against Estudiantes de La Plata prior to facing Boca. The team will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures to secure a place in the playoff spots.
Both teams have a storied rivalry, having faced each other multiple times, with Boca winning eight of their nine encounters. The last meeting in August 2024 ended in a 1-1 draw, highlighting the competitive nature of this matchup.
As the season progresses, Boca Juniors will aim to maintain their top position, while Barracas Central will seek to improve their standings in the league. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the Campeonato Argentino unfolds.
