Boca edge Lanus on penalties to reach Apertura quarter-finals

BUENOS AIRES :Boca Juniors claimed a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Lanus on Saturday to reach the Argentine Apertura tournament quarter-finals after a 0-0 stalemate in regular time at La Bombonera stadium.

Boca goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin, who was pivotal in preserving the deadlock during the match, gave Boca an early advantage in the shootout by saving Alexis Canelo's opening kick.

Lanus winger Dylan Aquino then blazed a shot over the bar while Boca held their nerve, converting their first three penalties with confidence.

Substitute Milton Gimenez stepped up to convert the decisive spot-kick, sealing Boca's place in the next round where they will meet either Independiente or Independiente Rivadavia.