In Rosario, Boca Juniors found a dramatic route into another cup semi-final, overturning a two-goal deficit against Racing at the Gigante de Arroyito. Ecuador forward Enner Valencia, formerly of Internacional, came off the bench to score three headers and seal a 3-2 Copa Argentina victory in the final moments.
A night turned upside down in Rosario
Racing had appeared firmly in control after building a 2-0 advantage against Boca on Rosario Central’s home ground.
- Gastón Lodico opened the scoring after 18 minutes with a direct corner, curling the ball into the net from the flag.
- At the start of the second half, Maravilla Martínez doubled Racing’s lead with a volley from close range.
- Boca changed the contest in the 55th minute by introducing Valencia for Alan Velasco.
The Ecuadorian immediately gave Boca a focal point in the penalty area. In the 71st minute, he met Blanco’s corner with a forceful header to reduce the deficit. Eight minutes later, a cross from Villa found Valencia again, and his second headed finish brought Boca level.
Valencia completes a headed hat-trick
With the match seemingly heading towards an unresolved finish, Boca produced one last delivery into the Racing area. Carlos Palacios sent the ball forward in the 94th minute, and Valencia got ahead of Cannavo before rising to direct his third header beyond the goalkeeper.
The late winner completed a remarkable 3-2 comeback and carried Boca into the Copa Argentina semi-finals, adding another decisive cup assignment to a season already shaped by continental pressure.
Banfield next in the domestic cup
Boca will now meet Banfield for a place in the Copa Argentina final. The venue and date for that semi-final have yet to be set.
Before then, attention will also turn towards the Copa Sudamericana, where Boca are due to face Vasco da Gama in the semi-finals.
- The first leg will be played at La Bombonera on 13 October.
- The return fixture is scheduled for Rio de Janeiro on 20 October.
- Vasco will arrive having seen Boca’s capacity for a late cup escape, with Valencia’s aerial treble the latest evidence from Rosario.
