BUENOS AIRES, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Edinson Cavani netted a hat-trick as Boca Juniors recovered from a goal down to secure a 3-2 home victory over Belgrano in Argentina's Primera Division on Sunday.

The visitors went ahead in the 21st minute through Lucas Passerini, who combined with Santiago Longo before drilling a shot into the top-right corner.

Boca equalized just after the hour when Cavani converted from the penalty spot after Longo brought down Cristian Medina.

The veteran Uruguayan striker put his side ahead shortly after with a delightful chip over goalkeeper Nahuel Losada following Lautaro Blanco's perfectly weighted through ball.

Boca were irrepressible and Cavani made it 3-1 by smashing home a first-time effort from the edge of the six-yard box after Blanco's cross.

Matias Marin reduced the deficit in the 90th minute as he curled a free-kick into the top-left corner. But Boca held their nerve in the closing minutes to clinch their third win from eight games.

"It has been difficult for us and we needed the win to get our season back on track," Cavani said after the match. "We can take a lot of positives out of this match but we know that we still have to improve a lot."

Cavani, who has struggled to recapture his best form since joining Boca from Valencia last July, said he was never concerned about his lack of goals for the Buenos Aires club.

"You only get through any difficult period through hard work, dedication and the knowledge that you've been doing this for many years," he added.

Boca are now fifth in Group B with 13 points, six points behind leaders Godoy Cruz, while Belgrano are 11th, seven points further back.

In other Argentine Primera Division fixtures on Sunday, Lanus won 4-0 at Defensa y Justicia, Estudiantes prevailed 2-1 at Godoy Cruz and San Lorenzo drew 2-2 at Newell's Old Boys. Enditem

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