Without Carlos Tevez, Fernando Gago or Nicolás Lodeiro because of international duty, league leaders Boca Juniors were enforced to make changes for their crucial top of the table clash against San Lorenzo and unfortunately for 18-year-old Rodrigo Bentancur it was his last minute error that gifted Los Cuervos, what might be a hugely significant victory. Mauro Matos pounced on the young Uruguayan’s wayward pass and slotted past Agustín Orión for a rather ‘smash-and-grab’ three points but one that puts El Ciclón top of the table.
With so much at stake and with key players missing it was clear that neither side wanted to lose this first versus second meeting in La Bombonera. San Lorenzo were willing to soak up the pressure that Boca exerted but without Tevez and Lodeiro, Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances.
The main talking point that the first half produced was a high challenge from Colombian Mario Yepes on Sebastián Palacios as the pacy attacker controlled a bouncing ball just outside the San Lorenzo penalty area. Fernando Echenique decided a yellow card was sufficient but with Yepes’ studs landing above the knee it is easy to see why most of those inside the stadium thought a harsher punishment was required.
The second half continued in much the same way with Jonathan Calleri, Sebastián Palacios and Marcelo Meli all going close for Boca but in general failing to stretch the well-drilled San Lorenzo defence. The visitors remained a danger on the break but snatched at the few chances they were able to carve out.
As the match crept into stoppage time it appeared as though both sides were satisfied with a point ahead of next weekend’s round of clásicos. There was no danger when 18-year-old Rodrigo Bentancur looked to simply pass the ball out of defence but he didn’t appear to see Matos lurking close to Daniel Díaz and when his misplaced pass ran into the striker’s path, Matos showed no mercy.
Matos has scored six this season but none will be as vital as this. The players’ celebrations showed just how important the three points are and with only seven to play and Boca having to face River next weekend, Los Cuervos will be hoping that their lead at the top is extended further.
Such was the significance of the match and the frustrations of the Boca players, there was some pushing and shoving at the final whistle as Bentancur walked off alone, close to tears. It was a cruel end to the game for the youngster, who is rated highly in La Bombonera and was actually included in the deal that brought Tevez back from Juventus. Such an error will be difficult to recover from and Boca must now quickly move on with the superclásico next Sunday.
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