Bosteros: Los Xeneizes down River and eye Libertadores

First thing's first. While it's fresh in my mind, I'd like to mention that I saw Diego Maradona playing a charity match on the TV this morning, and the man looks in fantastic shape.

Given his health issues in recent years, it's great to see Diego able to run smoothly, look healthy and stick away a nice penalty. Excellent work, Maradoo!

As for El Diego's beloved Boca Juniors...mixed fortunes pretty much sums up the previous few weeks. With 14 played in the Clausura, the Genoese sit back in sixth place, staring up enviously towards Estudianes and arch-rivals River Plate at the top, four points ahead.

Meanwhile, Boca are storming through the Copa Libertadores. Defending Champions, they dispatched Brazil's Cruzeiro in impressive style last time out. Next up is the quarter-final, with Atlas of Mexico visiting La Bombonera tomorrow evening. Come on Boca!

Despite indifferent recent form, Rodrigo Palacio thumped in a breathtaking opener in the second leg against Cruzeiro, while the customary header from Martin Palermo led to the defending champions winning each leg 2-1. Juan Roman Riquelme and Jesus Datolo netted for Los Xeneizes in the first.

Domestically, a 2-1 win over Newell's was cancelled out by defeat to San Lorenzo at the end of April.

May 4th, however, was a golden day for Carlos Ischia's side - Maradona was in heaven. Boca's superclasico record of late has been abysmal, despite River Plate struggling to get a foothold in the Primera Division. Typically, in the same month as River hit the summit in the league, Sebastian Battaglia floored them at La Bombonera. Party time in La Boca!

Defeat against Estudiantes on Sunday, however, took the shine off a great win over River.

So all in all things aren't looking too bad, though El Diego retains plenty of ammo in his war of words with Ischia. The league form isn't up to scratch, and even at this stage it will be difficult to catch Estudiantes and River at the top. But the fight for the Libertadores is fantastic, and Boca are fast becoming favourites. Here's to Los Bosteros holding onto that title, even if we'd love to win the Closing tournament too.