Alianza Lima secured a narrow victory over Boca Juniors, defeating the Argentine giants 1-0 during the first leg of their Copa Libertadores playoff on February 18, 2025, at the Estadio Alejandro Villanueva in Lima, Peru.
The match showcased Alianza's determination and strategic prowess right from the start. Within the first five minutes, Uruguayan striker Pablo Ceppelini pounced on a defensive miscue by Boca, scoring the only goal of the match. This gave the Peruvian team a significant early lead, drawing cheers from the nearly sold-out crowd of 34,000. Like Gorosito said before the game, “Once on the field, it’s eleven against eleven. Let's see if we can carry the classification.” The atmosphere was electric as the home team took control.
Boca Juniors, struggling with many key players sidelined due to injuries and suspension, couldn't find their rhythm. Throughout the first half, they managed only one threatening shot on goal, which was saved by Alianza's goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. Meanwhile, Alianza capitalized on several opportunities, nearly doubling their lead multiple times. Their standout moments came from Eryc Castillo and Hernán Barcos, creating ample chances yet failing to convert.
Boca’s goalkeeper, Agustín Marchesín, emerged as the true hero for the visitors, executing several impressive saves. Without him, the scoreline could have been far more lopsided. His performance was noted as pivotal by several commentators, with one stating, “Agustín Marchesín was the undisputed hero of the confrontation.”
The match's turning point came early, only minutes after the initial goal. Alianza had another scoring opportunity, but Marchesín thwarted this effort, showcasing his talent and determination to keep Boca within the match.
Despite the lead, Alianza Lima faced challenges as Boca gradually adapted to the game. From the 20th minute onward, it was clear Boca was trying to shift momentum, introducing more attacking options to the field. Boca coach Fernando Gago made changes at halftime, substituting Camilo Rey Domenech and Miguel Merentiel for Exequiel Zeballos and Milton Giménez. These adjustments aimed to bolster offensive pressure, though they struggled to penetrate Alianza's staunch defense.
The tension escalated through the second half as Boca Juniors pushed forward, yearning for the equalizer. Several strategic plays led to scrambles inside the penalty area, but solid defending from Alianza kept them at bay. The visitors continued to search for opportunities to score but seemed disjointed and unable to recover from their earlier mistakes.
Looking forward, Boca now faces significant pressure. For them to advance, they must secure at least two goals when they host Alianza Lima for the return match at La Bombonera on February 25, 2025. Should they win by just one goal, the tie will be decided through penalties—a high-stakes scenario both teams are aware of. Meanwhile, any draw or victory for the Peruvian side would see them through to the next round of the competition.
Alianza's victory not only boosts their confidence going forward but also raises hope among their supporters for a successful campaign this year. If they manage to carry this momentum, they could be well on their way to securing a place in the group stages of the prestigious tournament.
The defeat highlights the struggles facing Boca Juniors this season, with injuries plaguing key players like Edinson Cavani and Marcos Rojo. Their absence was felt heavily, and as they aim for improvement, the upcoming weeks will be pivotal for their aspirations not just in the Copa Libertadores but also within their domestic league.
With much at stake and the next leg looming, both teams must recalibrate their strategies to secure their place moving forward. Alianza Lima will look to solidify their advantage, knowing the task will not be straightforward, especially with Boca's determination to turn the tide.