Rodrigo Palacio scored two goals in Sunday's 4 - 1 win over Colon, putting Boca Juniors just one win from the Apertura title.

The Boca superstar had factored in the home side's first goal as well.

After Jesus Datolo made a superb run up the touch line and crossed into the area, Palacio sliced between two defenders and deftly touched to a wide-open Neri Cardozo, who fired home the game's first goal.

Colon would equalize on a penalty before the half, but after the break, it would be all Boca.

In the 51st, Guillermo Marino would benefit from Matias Silvestre's hard work, as Silvestre left three Colon defenders in his wake before shuffling a pass into the area. Marino rewarded the effort by stepping away from goal for space, and firing a perfect strike across to the far post.

Then it would be time for Palacio to take center-stage.

In the 61st, Datolo picked out Palacio just outside the area. The Argentine international took four quick touches and fired a magnificent strike from a sharp angle to make it 3 - 1.

He then capped off the afternoon by putting himself top of the Apertura's scorers.

In the third minute of extra time, when Andres Franzoia put him in alone on keeper Tombolini, the Boca superstar made it 12 goals in 17 matches.

Sporting a new, shorter hair cut, but not without the famous rat-tail, Palacio had started the match with warm greetings and hugs for opposing manager Julio Falcioni.

In 2003, the Colon boss had given Palacio first Division playing time at Banfield before the striker's move to Boca in 2005. Unfortunately for Falcioni, that would be the last nice gesture of the day from Palacio as he helped keep his old manager's team near the bottom of the table in 18th.

Boca, now on 44 points with only two to play, are four points clear of Estudiantes as River Plate have been eliminated.

Boca can now claim an unprecedented third consecutive title with a win this Sunday at Belgrano.

Boca won decisively - Boca Juniors Official Site Match Report bocajuniors.com.ar (new window)