Alianza Lima stunned Boca Juniors on Tuesday, eliminating the Argentine giants from the Copa Libertadores after winning 5-4 on penalties at La Bombonera. This dramatic conclusion came after the two teams were tied 2-2 on aggregate following Boca's 2-1 victory in the second leg of the knockout round.
Boca Juniors had arrived at this pivotal match with hopes high after winning their home game. Early on, they took control when Alianza Lima's Miguel Trauco inadvertently scored an own goal just six minutes in, putting Boca up 1-0. They extended their lead with Kevin Zenón scoring shortly after halftime to make it 2-1. Yet, Alianza's Hernán Barcos, exploiting a defensive lapse, leveled the score at 1-1, equalizing on aggregate. With the clock ticking down, Boca pressed for the win, but chances were squandered, including several key moments from superstar Edinson Cavani, who missed a golden opportunity to seal the game.
Faced with the prospect of penalties, the match carried the weight of Boca's illustrious history. Despite their dominance, it was Alianza's goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra who stole the show, saving Alan Velasco's decisive penalty kick after the shootout reached five attempts from each side. For Boca Juniors, who had recently invested heavily in new signings, the failure to progress is devastating.
Fernando Gago, Boca's head coach, echoed the disappointment, stating, "It's a devastating blow. Speaking to the fans right now serves no purpose; we need to take responsibility." Gago expressed his commitment to continuing as head coach, albeit with the acknowledgment of the challenging road ahead.
Juan Román Riquelme, Boca’s president, was visibly affected during and after the match. Cameras captured him standing silently, reflecting the displeasure and frustration felt from the stands among Boca fans. After the match, there were calls from fans for significant changes within the club following the disappointment.
The elimination leaves Boca Juniors without any international competition for the 2025 season, marking the first time the club will not participate at this level. They required advancement to the third stage of the Libertadores to qualify for the Copa Sudamericana, but now only the Club World Cup awaits later this year.
The road to this point saw Alianza Lima hold off Boca Juniors’ relentless attacks, efficiently responding to goals scored against them and managing their nerves during the penalty shootout. With the victory, they progress to face Deportes Iquique of Chile. This victory not only serves as redemption for Alianza but also highlights the unpredictability and competitive nature of the Copa Libertadores.
Although Boca was the favorite, their star-studded roster, including players like Cavani, could not translate skill and reputation onto the scoreline. The disappointment from the fans and club officials reflects the pursuit of success and the high stakes involved with Boca Juniors.
Critically, Boca Juniors have the local league and the Club World Cup to focus on now as they transition away from this painful chapter. While Gago seeks to rebound from this setback, the eyes of the football community will be on how they adapt and rebuild, hoping to restore their place among South American football's elite.