Boca Juniors secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Banfield in a Liga Profesional match at La Bombonera on July 31, 2024, extending their unbeaten home record for the year. The win, featuring goals from Edinson Cavani, Miguel Merentiel, and Jabes Saralegui, propelled Boca to 11th place in the league table with 12 points, now just six points behind leader Huracán.Cavani opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a powerful volley, showcasing his improving form after recent struggles with a muscle injury. Merentiel doubled the lead in the 56th minute, capitalizing on a crucial error by Banfield’s goalkeeper Gabriel Aranda. Saralegui sealed the victory in stoppage time, scoring his first goal in Primera División.Coach Diego Martínez expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly praising Cavani’s goal-scoring form. ‘We knew it was an important game today and this weekend to get back on track in the tournament. I’m happy that Edi (Cavani) scored goals and he’s happy too. We hope to keep scoring, which is what’s important,’ Martínez stated.The victory comes as a welcome response to recent criticism following a goalless draw against Instituto. It also positions Boca closer to Copa Libertadores qualification spots, with the team now sitting 7th in the annual table with 37 points, just two points away from Copa Libertadores qualification.Boca’s next challenge is a match against Barracas Central on August 4, followed by a crucial Copa Sudamericana quarterfinal against Cruzeiro on August 15. As Martínez emphasized, ‘Boca needs to be consistent and not make mistakes, especially at home, where the team has not lost in 14 games’.
Key points
- Boca Juniors defeated Banfield 3-0, extending their unbeaten home record in 2024.
- Edinson Cavani, Miguel Merentiel, and Jabes Saralegui scored for Boca Juniors.
- The win moves Boca to 11th place in the Liga Profesional, six points behind leader Huracán.
- Coach Diego Martínez expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and Cavani’s goal-scoring form.
