Instituto vs Boca
Instituto enjoyed a huge 4-1 away win over Independiente, giving La Gloria the chance to celebrate a commanding victory over one of Argentina’s traditional big clubs during what is the best campaign in their 108-year history. The result gave them a third consecutive Clausura victory and their eighth win in the last 10 rounds, alongside one draw and one defeat. Instituto remain top of Group A with 25 points and have all but secured their place in the playoffs. They are also currently occupying a Copa Sudamericana qualification spot (would be a first-time achievement for the club) and are only four points away from the Copa Libertadores places via the annual table. At home, Diego Flores’ side have collected all 15 points available to them so far this semester. Boca Juniors produced an excellent performance to beat Unión Santa Fe 3-0 at home, with Lautaro Di Lollo and Leonel Flores (twice) on the scoresheet. The result further confirmed their strong current form. El Xeneize extended their unbeaten league run to 10 matches, with five wins and five draws, and reached 20 points in the Clausura, firmly established in the Group A playoff places. More importantly, they remain in the Copa Libertadores qualification spots in the annual table, sitting second and just two points behind leaders Independiente Rivadavia. Away, Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side have collected seven points in the Clausura, with one win, four draws and one defeat. Instituto are the leaders of Group A and one of the surprises of this tournament and will face this Boca in great form with 13 goals in the last 5 matches so I expect to see an open game between two teams that have become candidates to win the championship.