Boca Juniors went back to the top of the table after earning what might be a crucial three points in the title race but their victory in La Paternal against Argentinos Juniors was not without controversy. Carlos Tevez scored twice, the first being a stunning strike from outside the box, to put Boca in control but should without question have been sent off after breaking the leg of Argentinos goal scorer, Ezequiel Ham. To add a further talking point, Los Bichos were made to play the entire second half with ten men after the influential, Reinaldo Lenis was sent off before play resumed for hitting out at Nicolás Lodeiro after allegedly being racially abused by the Uruguayan.
After the defeat to San Lorenzo three weeks ago, Rodolfo Arruabarrena and his Boca Juniors side know that there is now little room for mistake if they are to lift the title. They still require their rivals to drop points but Los Xeneizes must ensure that they are in position to take advantage if they do. On Saturday afternoon in the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona, Argentinos Juniors gave Boca real difficulty and may well think that things could have been different if decisions had not gone against them.
An even first half, where both sides had created chances, erupted into life in stoppage time when Carlos Tevez cut across the pitch and unleashed an unstoppable, right-footed rocket into the top corner. The goal on the stroke of half-time gave Boca an enormous boost and Tevez had once more proved the catalyst. Since his remarkable return, this was only Tevez’s fourth league goal but his impact on the side cannot be understated.
With the teams back out on the pitch for the second-half a scuffle broke out and amid the melee, Los Bichos dangerous Colombian forward, Reinaldo Lenis was sent off. His slap to the back of Nicolás Lodeiro’s head had sparked the scenes and was probably deserving of the second yellow card that he received but Lenis has since explained that the Uruguayan had insulted with a racial slur.
With a player less, Argentinos got play back underway and it took Boca just eight minutes to extend their lead. Lodeiro was the provider and his simple through-ball disected the home side’s defence allowing Carlos Tevez to tuck away his second of the match and give Boca breathing space.
That lasted only a minute and Argentinos immediately struck back when Ezequiel Ham stooped to head in from close range. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Los Bichos were enjoying a spell of pressure and an equaliser looked far from beyound them.
Carlos Tevez had already ensured his name would be in Sunday’s headlines but with fifteen minutes remaining he provided another reason. A misplaced pass to Tevez forced the Argentina international into a 50/50 challenge with Ezequiel Ham and despite the Argentinos youngster getting to the ball first, Tevez planted the flat of his boot into his lower leg. Horrific replays showed the extent of the injury and it has since been confirmed that Ham suffered a broken ankle and broken fibula.
Argentinos continued to push for an equaliser and in injury time, Jonathan Calleri put the result beyond doubt. There was much to debate at full-time but for Boca the important fact was that they were back on the top of the table and heaped pressure back on San Lorenzo ahead of their huge clash with Racing on Sunday night.
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