Boca takes over first place in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Boca Juniors defeated Racing Club 2-0 on Sunday to take sole possession of first place in Argentina's first division.

Second-half substitute Lucas Viatri scored a spectacular goal in the 69th minute, receiving a pass with a back heel and flicking it instantly over his shoulder — then chasing it down and pounding home a 15-meter (yard) volley.

Nicolas Blandi added another in the 82nd on a rising, 15-meter (yard) shot.

Boca has 29 points in 15 matches, one better than Tigre and Newell's.

Boca rested many of its top players including key midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme, preparing for a second-leg quarterfinal at Brazil's Fluminense on Wednesday in the Copa Libertadores. Boca leads 1-0 after the first leg in Argentina.

In other results Sunday it was: Rafaela 0, Colon 0; Velez 0, Belgrano 1; Olimpo 2, Independiente 1.

Nestor Silvera scored the only goal in Belgrano's victory.

Another Nestor — this time Nestor Bareiro — netted the winner for Olimpo in the 68th minute. He also scored in the seventh to put Olimpo ahead. Ernesto Farias scored in the 20th for Independiente.

Boca is looking for a big sweep this season. It won the first half of the Argentine season — called the Apertura — and is on course to win the second half, too. The famous Buenos Aires club is also a favorite to reach the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, which it has won six times.

In other weekend matches it was: Godoy Cruz 1, Argentinos Juniors 1; Tigre 3, Newell's 1; Banfield 0, Estudiantes 3; All Boys 1, San Martin 0; Union 1, San Lorenzo 0.

Arsenal and Lanus played Monday.