Palermo hat-trick sees Boca bounce back

Even in Argentina the Champions League final threatened to push Boca's quarter-final win over Mexico's Atlas off the city's café screens... but not quite.

Anyway, for those not flicking through FourFourTwo's photo archive of recent events in Moscow, Boca Juniors - against all expectations, well, Argie Bargy's, at least - are through to the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

After a worrying 2-2 draw at home, Boca were the underdogs going into the away leg. ButBoca dominatedfrom the off and scored three first-half goals, all by the golden boots of who else but Martin Palermo.

For Boca fans it was one of the most important games of the year. And riding high, but not top, in the league and with a recent Superclasico win under their belts, they are finally gathering momentum and confidence which many hope will carry them through to the Libertadores final.

Leaving the pitch, Riquleme said what many Argentines also wish for: that San Lorenzo win on Thursday night and we see a final between two sides from the same country.

Not too unlike some other game recently.

Martin Palermo makes it three to rip up the Atlas