Alianza Lima made history on February 25, 2025, shocking the football world by eliminating Boca Juniors from the Copa Libertadores during the second round of eliminations. The match took place at the iconic Estadio La Bombonera, Buenos Aires, where the Peruvian side clinched their spot for the next round with a nail-biting penalty shootout victory.
Facing a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, Alianza Lima needed to turn the tables, and they did, albeit dramatically. Boca Juniors had come out with guns blazing, eager to overturn the prior loss and leveraging the home advantage. The momentum swung early when Boca’s Miguel Trauco inadvertently put the ball past his own goalkeeper, giving Boca Juniors the initial 1-0 lead within the first five minutes of play. This goal briefly lifted the home fans’ hopes as they were desperate to see their team clinch a spot for the next round.
Yet, it didn't take long for Alianza Lima to respond. Just fourteen minutes later, Hernán Barcos, the veteran forward, leveled the play with a powerful header off a free-kick taken by Pablo Cepellini. The goal sent shockwaves through the stadium, reminding Boca Juniors and their fervent supporters of Alianza Lima’s tenacity.
With the score at 1-1, Alianza Lima gained confidence, exhibiting sharp counter-attacks and effectively stifling Boca's offense. Boca’s Edinson Cavani and Kevin Zenón worked tirelessly to conjure up scoring opportunities. Despite their efforts, the match remained tense. The game picked up pace, and after halftime, Kevin Zenón scored another header off a set-piece, putting Boca Juniors at risk of elimination.
Although Boca aggressively pursued the equalizing goal, they lacked creativity and precision during the decisive moments. This inability to capitalize on opportunities, including Cavani’s inexplicable miss when he missed a shot on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, added to the mounting tension at La Bombonera.
When the final whistle blew, Boca had matched Alianza's aggregate score of 2-2, forcing the game to penalties. Fans, anxiously holding their breath, watched as both teams prepared for the ultimate showdown from the spot. It was here where the drama peaked. Alianza Lima, under immense pressure, maintained composure, successfully converting all five of their penalties. Boca Juniors, conversely, managed only to score four of their attempts.
Guillermo Vizcarra, Alianza’s goalkeeper, emerged as the hero of the night, making the pivotal save against Alan Velasco's attempt, clinching the shootout 5-4. This game marked the first time any team from Peru had eliminated Boca Juniors in Copa Libertadores history, leaving Boca reeling.
Fernando Gago, coach of Boca Juniors, expressed the team's disappointment, saying, "Es un golpe durísimo, porque teníamos la ilusión de seguir en la Copa. Trabajamos para esto, entiendo el dolor y la bronca por un partido que merecíamos ganar.” His sentiments echoed through the fanbase, who felt the weight of expectation crashing down as Boca not only faced elimination from the Libertadores but also missed out on the chance to compete in the Copa Sudamericana.
For Alianza Lima, the victory signifies not just advancement but rewriting history. Manager Néstor Gorosito's side now looks forward to facing Deportes Iquique, who advanced after defeating Independiente Santa Fe. Their triumph over Boca Juniors is not merely about progressing to the next stage; it’s also about making their mark on South American football.
Alianza Lima’s monumental achievement could also usher changes for Boca Juniors, potentially impacting Gago's role as coach and the club's overall direction moving forward. With the season still young, Boca's aspirations for glory are on the line as they shift their focus to domestic competitions and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Tonight, Alianza Lima stands tall, proving the old adage true: anything can happen on the football field, and sometimes, even the giants can be toppled.