Boca Juniors surge past Barracas Central 3-1 to reach Copa Libertadores qualification zone

Boca Juniors staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Barracas Central 3-1 in Argentina's Clausura competition, a victory that boosts Boca to third place in Group A, just one point behind the leaders. Despite Barracas taking an early lead through a remarkable long-range goal by Rodrigo Insua and playing with ten men after Iván Tapia's early expulsion, Boca responded swiftly with two goals from Milton Gimenez and a late goal by Miguel Merentiel. The match, held at the Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia stadium, was intense, marked by a physical start and controversial moments, including an unreviewed foul incident and the early red card for Barracas. Boca's striker Exequiel Zeballos highlighted the importance of the win and expressed confidence in the team's potential to become champions. With three rounds remaining in the first phase, this victory positions Boca favorably for postseason qualification and strengthens their bid to advance in the tournament.