Boca Juniors reach top spot with 1-0 win over Rosario Central

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BUENOS AIRES, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Boca Juniors moved to the top of Group A of the Argentine Primera Division Apertura tournament with a 1-0 home win over Rosario Central in a rain-soaked Bombonera stadium on Friday.

Boca, who suffered a shock exit from the Copa Libertadores losing 5-4 on penalties to Peru's Alianza Lima following a 2-2 aggregate draw, recorded their fifth win in the Argentine top flight to ease the pressure on coach Fernando Gago.

"I was never in doubt about my continuity in charge of the team," Gago told a press conference.

"I am convinced and I believe a lot in the work, I believe a lot in the work and we are going to be champions, we have to keep working hard, we have to continue doing it if we want to achieve something,' he added.

Milton Gimenez gave Boca an early lead in the 9th minute when Central goalkeeper Jorge Broun parried a powerful shot from Carlos Palacios and the rebound flew to the striker, who headed home.

The hosts almost doubled their lead in the second half when Edison Cavani's deep pass found Palacios, but his close-range strike was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

Former Uruguay international Cavani continued to look for a goal but missed several chances, the clearest from a pass in the area by Gimenez.

Central came close to equalising in the dying minutes, but were denied by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin.

Boca sit top of Group A on 17 points, two clear of second-placed Estudiantes, who face River Plate on Saturday. Central continue to lead Group B on 17 points, one clear of Independiente, who face Banfield on Sunday.

(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)