BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Emmanuel Mas and Mauro Zarate struck second-half goals as defending champions Boca Juniors defeated Lanus 2-1 in the Superliga Argentina on Sunday.

Mas put the hosts ahead just after halftime at the Bombonera by heading in from a corner but Jose Sand equalized four minutes later with a low finish after a smart turn inside the penalty area.

Zarate regained the lead for Boca when he latched on to Cristian Pavon's pull-back and drove a shot that deflected in off Gabriel Carrasco's right boot.

The result extended Boca's unbeaten league run to six matches and the Buenos Aires giants are now third in the 26-team Superliga standings.

Meanwhile, Boca's fierce rivals River Plate could only manage a 1-1 draw at Banfield after Lucas Pratto's late strike canceled out Agustin Fontana's opener.