Boca Juniors cruise past Central Córdoba with 3-1 win at La Bombonera

Boca Juniors produced a dominant performance to beat CA Central Córdoba SDE 3-1 in the Argentine Division 1 on 12 September 2026. The match, played at the iconic La Bombonera, saw Boca take control early and never really relinquish it, despite a brief scare from the visitors.

The win moves Boca up to second in the league standings, just two points behind the leaders, while Central Córdoba remains in the relegation zone with only 18 points from 24 matches.

Match overview

Boca opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Miguel Merentiel finished off a slick team move, converting a low cross from the right. The home side doubled their lead in the 34th minute through a stunning free-kick from Kevin Zenón, who curled the ball into the top corner from 25 yards.

Central Córdoba pulled one back in the 52nd minute against the run of play, Lucas Gamba finishing a rapid counter-attack with a low drive past the goalkeeper. But Boca restored their two-goal cushion in the 71st minute when Merentiel grabbed his second, heading home a corner from close range.

Key moments

• 18' — Miguel Merentiel opens the scoring for Boca with a composed finish.
• 34' — Kevin Zenón curls a free-kick into the top corner to make it 2-0.
• 52' — Lucas Gamba pulls one back for Central Córdoba after a swift counter.
• 71' — Merentiel heads in his second from a corner to seal the win.

Tactical story

Boca lined up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Zenón operating as the playmaker behind the front two. They dominated possession (64%) and created numerous chances, particularly down the left flank where their full-back overlapped constantly. Central Córdoba sat deep in a 5-4-1 block, looking to hit on the break, and they did enjoy some success in the second half before Boca's third goal killed the game.

Boca's high press forced Central Córdoba into several turnovers in dangerous areas, and the visitors struggled to string more than a few passes together for much of the first hour. The only real blemish for the home side was a momentary lapse in concentration that allowed Gamba to score.

Standout players

Miguel Merentiel (Boca Juniors) — The striker was a constant threat, scoring twice and linking play beautifully. He now has 12 goals in the league this season.

Kevin Zenón (Boca Juniors) — Dictated the tempo from midfield, scored a superb free-kick, and completed 92% of his passes.

Lautaro Blanco (Boca Juniors) — Solid defensively and provided an assist for the opening goal with a marauding run down the left.

Argentine Division 1 table and season impact

With the win, Boca Juniors climb to second place with 47 points from 24 matches, closing the gap on the leaders to two points. They remain unbeaten in their last eight league games and look genuine title contenders. Central Córdoba, meanwhile, stay 27th with 18 points, four points from safety. Their defensive record is the worst in the division, and they will need to improve quickly to avoid relegation.