Boca thrash River to claim Argentina's inaugural women's pro football title

Boca Juniors on Tuesday claimed the first professional women's football championship title in Argentina on Tuesday, thanks to a brutal 7-0 defeat of arch-rivals River Plate.

In an empty stadium, returning after eight months of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the two sides faced off in the final of the inaugural league at La Bombonera in La Boca, Buenos Aires. 

Boca raced into a lead with the first goal scored by Clarisa Huber on 12 minutes. Fellow Xeneize star Yamila Rodríguez slotted home just two minutes later. Lorena Benítez made it three on 31 minutes, with doubles from Andrea Ojeda (47th and 58th minutes) and Fabiana Vallejos (35th minute and 61st minute).

The Millo's female side will have to pick themselves up soon for another clash against their rivals – both sides face off in the Copa Libertadores Femenina, which is set to take place in Argentina from March 5 to 21. 

Although the first women's football championship in Argentina took place in 1991, until recently the sport was only amateur.

In 2019, after years of campaigning from players, officials at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) moved to professionalise the league, establishing a championship for 16 teams.

– TIMES/AFP