BUENOS AIRES, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Leandro Paredes scored his third goal of the season as Boca Juniors secured a 1-0 away win over rival River Plate in Argentina's Apertura tournament on Sunday.

Paredes converted a penalty on the stroke of halftime at the Monumental Stadium after Lautaro Rivero handled the ball inside the area.

The hosts controlled more than two-thirds of possession but could only manage three shots on target against a disciplined Boca defense.

The result leaves Boca third in Group A with 24 points, three behind leader Estudiantes, after 14 matches. River is second in Group B with 26 points, three shy of leader Independiente Rivadavia.

"The important thing was to win," Paredes told reporters after the match. "We came here to get the three points and we did it in the best way possible. I'm very happy and very proud of this group, which little by little is becoming a team of men that plays well and knows how to fight."

The former Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and Juventus midfielder added: "We knew it was going to be a very tough game because of everything that had been said beforehand. The pitch wasn't in the best condition either. But we're delighted that we won and we're continuing our strong run."

Elsewhere in Argentina's top flight on Sunday, Rosario Central won 2-1 at home to Sarmiento, Talleres prevailed 2-0 at home to Deportivo Riestra and Racing drew 1-1 at Aldosivi. ■