Talleres brought to an end a run of 16 games without defeat since the return of Miguel Ángel Russo as former Boca Juniors academy product Joel Soñora returned to seal victory for the visitors.
The American-born midfielder, whose father Diego played for Boca in the 1980s and 90s, had only been on the pitch a short while but three minutes from time exchanged passes with Guilherme Parede to slot in the game’s only goal.
Boca, who had several players missing on international duty were far from their best and could arguably have seen Carlos Tevez sent off after five seconds with the iconic forward only booked for a late challenge on Tomás Pochettino immediately from kick-off.
But the home side didn’t avoid eventual punishment from referee Germán Delfino. When chasing the game in stoppage time Agustín Obando was shown red card, his sliding challenge as last man prevented a Talleres breakaway and then defender Carlos Izquierdoz followed.
Talleres lead Group 4 with Boca just behind leaving Lanús in need of victory at La Bombonera next week to keep any hopes alive.
Boca Juniors 0 – 1 Talleres
The headline from La Plata was Javier Mascherano’s retirement but before El Jefecito called time on his playing career his Estudiantes fell 1-0 to Argentinos Juniors.
A stunning Damián Batallini strike won it for Los Bichos 20 minutes from time and creates a tight Group 5 at the halfway stage. Argentinos Juniors are away to San Lorenzo next weekend with the places in the Fase Campeonato very much up for grabs.
Estudiantes 0 – 1 Argentinos Juniors
Earlier in Parque Patricios, Huracán came from behind to claim an entertaining 3-2 win over Gimnasia.
Víctor Ayala’s drilled shot from distance gave Gimnasia an early lead but Adrián Arregui tapped in unmarked at a free-kick to ensure the side’s were level at the break.
On the hour mark Andrés Chávez scored his second of the tournament to put Huracán in front only for Eric Ramírez to head a quick equaliser and so it was left to youngster Nicolás Cordero to seal it late on. The 21-year-old powering home a header from a corner to give El Globo the points and maintain an unbeaten start for Israel Damonte’s side. Vélez play Patronato on Monday evening but it’s Huracán already looking like good value to reach the Fase Campeonato.
While Group 2 is still unclear after Defensa y Justicia and Independiente shared the points in Florencio Varela. A goalless draw in which both sides missed opportunities leaves Colón poised to take pole position if they can take three points off Central Córdoba on Monday.
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