Enner Valencia hat-trick powers Boca Juniors to 3-2 win over Racing Club

Dramatic Comeback at Gigante de Arroyito

Trailing by two goals and facing an early exit in the quarterfinals, Boca mounted an unforgettable recovery. Racing had seized control in the first half when Gastón Lodico opened the scoring directly from a corner kick in the 19th minute, beating goalkeeper Brey at the far post. Just one minute into the second half, Maravilla Martínez extended Racing’s lead to 2-0 with a left-footed finish from close range after a corner and a header from Leonel Pérez.

Tactical Adjustments and Valencia’s Surge

Facing a two-goal deficit, Boca manager Arruabarrena intervened in the 11th minute of the second half by introducing Enner Valencia and Sebastián Villa off the bench. The substitutions immediately altered the match’s momentum. In the 27th minute of the second half, Blanco delivered a corner kick that Valencia headed home unmarked to narrow the deficit to 2-1.

Eight minutes later, Villa floated a cross into the penalty area, and Valencia rose again to head past the Racing defense, evening the score at 2-2. As the match drifted into stoppage time, Carlos Palacios delivered a cross from the right flank in the fifth and final minute of added time. Valencia connected with a third header, sealing a 23-minute hat trick and clinching the 3-2 victory for the Xeneize.

Tournament Implications and Next Steps

With the win, Boca Juniors advances to the semifinals of the Copa Argentina, where they are scheduled to face Banfield. The victory highlights a strong run for Boca, who remain active in the Copa Sudamericana and hold a competitive position in the Torneo Clausura standings. Meanwhile, the elimination adds pressure to Racing Club following a difficult stretch in domestic competition.