Ahead of Boca Juniors’ midweek game in hand against Atlético Tucumán there were still some murmurings of a title challenge from the defending champions. Victory on Wednesday at La Bombonera against an Atlético side that haven’t looked the same since the January sale of Pulga Rodríguez would have put Boca seven points behind the leaders and poised for any slip-ups in the run in but instead a woefully below par display saw the visitors claim a famous win and instead boost their own chances of Copa Libertadores qualification.

Gustavo Alfaro tinkered with his side once again in order to rotate his deep squad but also to find his best starting eleven and while there are a number of question marks regarding the midfield and attack, one thing still seems apparent – Julio Buffarini is not an adequate first choice right-back.

Boca’s entire back four were fragile but it was Buffarini’s positioning and subsequent miskick that allowed Gervasio Nuñez to tap Atlético in front after only eight minutes.

And it could have been worse had Leandro Díaz not miscued his volley when through on goal.

A much improved second half was expected from Boca and with that in mind Mauro Zárate was introduced at the break. On the hour mark, Ramón Abila barged his way through to bring the home side level and when Darío Benedetto and Cristian Pavón were thrown on, supporters would have been hoping all three points would follow.

However, more dreadful defending from Carlos Izquierdoz and Lisandro López allowed David Barbona to slot Atlético back in front and the visitors held on for a memorable night in La Bombonera. With it El Decano join Boca on 35 points, three clear of Huracán in fifth as the race for Libertadores qualification hots up.