Boca Juniors Let Two-Goal Lead Slip Against Central Córdoba in Thrilling Draw at La Bombonera
Boca Juniors surrendered a crucial two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Central Córdoba in a dramatic Liga Profesional clash at Estadio Alberto José Armando, leaving both sides ruing missed chances and taking home just a point from a pulsating encounter.
Boca began the evening with intent, controlling possession and pressing high as the packed home crowd roared them forward. The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Rodrigo Battaglia latched onto a clever cutback, steering a low drive past the Central Córdoba goalkeeper to put the hosts ahead. The goal capped a dominant first half for Boca, who looked poised to extend their ascendancy in the second period.
Boca doubled their advantage soon after halftime. In the 56th minute, Miguel Merentiel got on the end of a well-worked move, finishing clinically to make it 2-0. At this point, Boca appeared in total command, with their midfield dictating the tempo and Central Córdoba struggling to create meaningful chances.
However, the match turned suddenly. Central Córdoba refused to wilt, finding a lifeline in the 62nd minute when José Florentín fired home to halve the deficit. The visitors’ renewed energy unsettled Boca, and the momentum shifted decisively. With just seven minutes remaining, Iván Gómez rose highest to meet a cross, heading in a dramatic equalizer that stunned La Bombonera and left Boca’s defense scrambling.
Key moments in the final minutes saw tempers flare and both teams push for a winner. Boca pressed desperately, but Central Córdoba held firm, with goalkeeper and defense combining to repel late attacks. Arguments and fouls in stoppage time underscored the intensity, but the scoreline remained unchanged at the final whistle.
Player performances told the story: Battaglia and Merentiel shone for Boca with well-taken goals and tireless running, but defensive lapses proved costly. For Central Córdoba, Florentín and Gómez were the heroes, seizing their chances to deliver a valuable away point in Buenos Aires.
The draw has significant implications for both sides in the Clausura phase. Boca, who started the night in third place, missed the chance to climb further and will be frustrated by their inability to close out a match they controlled for long stretches. Central Córdoba, meanwhile, maintain their position just behind Boca, showing resilience and character that could prove vital in the coming weeks.
For fans and pundits alike, this match delivered high drama, memorable goals, and a reminder that in Argentine football, no lead is truly safe.