Soccer-Boca beat River for first time in three years

BUENOS AIRES, May 4 (Reuters) - Boca Juniors beat arch-rivals River Plate 1-0 on Sunday, the first time in three years they have won the meeting of Argentina's two most popular clubs.

Sebastian Battaglia scored the only goal to throw the Apertura championship wide open, moving Boca one point behind leading pair River and Estudiantes with six matches each to play.

San Lorenzo could join River and Estudiantes on 27 points if they win at Gimnasia-La Plata later on Sunday.

Boca dominated the early stages at the Bombonera and Rodrigo Palacio wasted an excellent chance when he broke clear but shot straight at Juan Carrizo.

The hosts went ahead in the 14th minute when midfielder Battaglia shook off his marker to meet Juan Roman Riquelme's corner with a powerful header.

Defender Julio Cesar Caceres was close for Boca with another header but after that the game petered out as Boca lost their attacking impetus while the visitors never looked threatening.

Boca previously beat River in May 2005 and the five meetings since then have produced three draws and two wins for River.

Estudiantes lost 2-1 to lowly Argentinos Juniors in a match played on Saturday.

Gabriel Hauche and Alejandro Delorte gave Argentinos a 2-0 lead and Mauricio Carrasco pulled one back for Estudiantes.