Zeballos leads Boca past River Plate

Exequiel Zeballos scored one goal and set up another as Boca Juniors eased to a 2-0 home victory over rivals River Plate in Argentina's Primera Division on Sunday.

The hosts went ahead on the stroke of halftime at La Bombonera when Zeballos lifted a shot over Franco Armani after his initial effort had been parried away by the former Argentina international goalkeeper.

Zeballos then turned provider with a probing run and cross from the left flank that allowed Miguel Merentiel to tap home from the edge of the six-yard box.

River controlled most of the possession but could manage only three shots on target throughout the match.

Boca is now two points clear at the top of Group A while River Plate is sixth in Group B, having lost four of its past five league games. Marcelo Gallardo's team has won two and lost nine of its past 11 games across all competitions.

Elsewhere in Argentina's top flight on Sunday, Atletico Tucuman won 2-1 at home to Godoy Cruz, Tigre clinched a 1-0 home win over Estudiantes, Aldosivi won 1-0 at Banfield and Sarmiento prevailed 2-1 at home to Instituto.