BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Cristian Medina struck late to earn Boca Juniors a 1-1 draw at River Plate in their Argentine Primera Division clash on Sunday.
The hosts went ahead just after halftime through Pablo Solari, who saw his initial shot on the counterattack saved by goalkeeper Sergio Romero before he smashed in the rebound.
Medina equalized for the hosts 20 minutes from time by drilling home a first-time effort from 15 yards following Lautaro Blancos' run and cross from the left flank.
River remain top of Group A with 13 points from seven outings, ahead of second-placed Independiente on goal difference. Boca are seventh in Group B with 10 points so far.
"I think that, on the balance, what we did as a team is commendable," Boca manager Diego Martinez said.
"We came here to try to win the game by playing to our strengths and sticking to our normal game plan. Both teams had their chances and a draw seems to me like a fair result."
River manager Martin Demichelis praised his players for their attacking mindset and criticized Boca for their low defensive line late in the match.
"In general terms, Boca didn't trouble us much," he said. "We never stopped attacking despite their late [defensive] changes. At times we made life very difficult for them. I'm not happy with a draw because we came here to win."
In other Argentine Primera Division fixtures on Sunday, Banfield drew 1-1 at Lanus, Godoy Cruz prevailed 2-0 at Instituto, Rosario Central won 1-0 at Newell's and Gimnasia were held to a goalless home draw by Estudiantes. ■
