• » Comments (8)
  • Print Story
  • Send to Friend
  • Contact Us
  • Bookmark
 

Boca Overcome San Lorenzo In Thrilling Playoff

Boca Juniors are only one point away from claiming the Argentine Apertura Championship after defeating San Lorenzo 3-1 in a tense encounter at the Cilindro de Avellaneda on Saturday...

Dec 20, 2008 10:50:16 PM

Lucas Viatri - Boca Juniors
Photo Gallery
Zoom
Lucas Viatri - Boca Juniors
San Lorenzo came into the match knowing that a victory would hand them the title, but they were outmatched by a much superior Boca Juniors side, who are now just a step away from obtaining the championship.

Boca's goals were scored by Lucas Viatri (45'), Rodrigo Palacio (76') and Cristian Chavez (90'). While Santiago Solari (60') had levelled the score for San Lorenzo.

The beginning of the match was extremely even, with few goal scoring opportunities falling to either side. The midfield was on top, as both teams failed to inflict heavy pressure on each other.

In the 26th minute Juan Forlin and Nestor Silvera violently collided heads, and they were replaced by Sebastian Roncaglia and Cristian Chavez, respectively.

Towards the end of the half Boca looked the better of the two sides, and they were rewarded for their attacking approach when Lucas Viatri connected to a Juan Roman Riquelme corner kick with a powerful header, to put Boca ahead.

After the break San Lorenzo picked up their game, and they dominated Boca for large periods, as they looked for a crucial equalizer.

In the 60th minute they found a much needed goal, when a weak long-range attempt on goal from Santiago Solari went in through the legs of Boca goalkeeper Javier Garcia.

From that instance, San Lorenzo were completely on top, and they piled heavy pressure on the Boca goal, as they searched for another goal that would hand them the title.

But from the run of play Boca went in front again, with an absolutely brilliant collective goal from substitute Rodrigo Palacio in the 76th minute.

Garcia found Jesus Datolo in space with a well directed goal kick, and the winger switched a perfect ball to Riquelme, who caught out Palacio in the area, and the speedy striker beat Agustin Orion with a remarkable finish.

The situation couldn't be any worse for San Lorenzo, as three minutes later they were down to ten men, when Gaston Aguirre was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Carlos Ischia's side knew that they had the game in a bag at this point, and this looked even more certain when a frustrated Gonzalo Bergessio was given his marching orders for arguing with match referee Hector Baldassi.

In second half injury time Cristian Chavez sealed Boca a dramatic 3-1 victory with a well-placed drive from the edge of the area.

Boca Juniors were well worth the three points, and with only a point against Tigre on Tuesday they will claim the Argentine Championship for the 23rd time.

Gregory Sica, Goal.com
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Your Say (8)
 
 
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
goalshop magazine subscribe