Boca Juniors beat Quilmes to extend lead in Argentina first division

Martin Palermo and Rodrigo Palacio scored two goals each and Boca Juniors beat Quilmes 4-0 Sunday to extend its lead atop the Argentine first division with its fourth straight victory.

The victory gave Boca 20 points after nine rounds, two points ahead of second-placed Argentinos Juniors and three better than Velez Sarsfield and Banfield.

Argentinos Juniors kept pace with a 1-0 victory on Saturday over Instituto Cordoba on a goal by Juan Manuel Martinez in the 54th minute, while Banfield and Velez drew 0-0 in their match.

Palermo converted a penalty in the 12th minute and added a second goal in the 43rd while Palacio contributed his pair in the second half.

Elsewhere, River Plate ended a three-match losing streak, beating Independiente 3-1, reports the AP. I.L.