Merentiel and Cavani fire Boca to crucial victory over Banfield

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BUENOSD AIRES - Miguel Merentiels breakthrough goal and a late Edinson Cavani header secured a vital 2-0 home victory for Boca Juniors against Banfield on Sunday in Argentinas Clausura tournament, providing much-needed relief after a sluggish start to the campaign.

The hosts dominated the first half, with Leandro Paredes, Carlos Palacios and Merentiel all threatening to break the deadlock, however, they failed to capitalise.

Bocas frustrations mounted after the break when Cavani saw what appeared to be the clearest chance of the match brilliantly saved by Banfield goalkeeper Facundo Sanguinetti, denying the veteran strikers header.

But Sanguinetti was finally beaten in the 55th minute as Merentiel met a superb through ball from Brian Aguirre to slot home the opener and send the home crowd into raptures at La Bombonera.

Cavani finally got his header following a corner eight minutes before the end, sealing the win for Miguel Angel Russos side.

Boca Juniors, who have won only two out of six Clausura games, are currently in fourth place with nine points and will travel to face Aldosivi on Sunday. REUTERS