Alianza Lima surprised the football world by defeating Boca Juniors 1-0 during the first leg of the Copa Libertadores playoffs, held on February 19, 2025, at the Estadio Alejandro Villanueva in Peru. This shocking outcome marks a significant triumph for Alianza, which had not claimed international titles previously, showcasing the continuing unpredictability of South American football.
The match started explosively for Alianza Lima as Pablo Ceppellini found the back of the net just four minutes after kickoff, capitalizing on a rebound from Boca's keeper Agustín Marchesín. This early goal set the tone for the night, adding extra pressure on Boca Juniors, who were expected to dominate due to their prestigious history, including multiple Copa Libertadores titles.
Boca Juniors, under the management of Fernando Gago, struggled to respond effectively to the setback. Despite having more possession of the ball throughout the match, their efforts to create dangerous opportunities were thwarted by Alianza's resolute defense and the stellar performance of Marchesín, who made several key saves.
Alianza Lima exhibited great resilience, defending their slim lead expertly after taking it early on. They maintained their structure and organization, preventing Boca from equalizing, even with the latter's tactical adjustments at halftime, which saw players like Ezequiel Zeballos and Milton Giménez brought on to inject some urgency.
Despite their best efforts, Boca could not crack Alianza's defensive setup. The famous Argentinian side found it increasingly difficult to break through, with only fleeting moments of true danger. Notably, Hernán Barcos, on the verge of his 41st birthday, was consistently causing problems for Boca's defense but was unable to extend Alianza's lead.
“We leave happy. Not only did we beat any team,” stated Hernán Barcos, reflecting on the team’s extraordinary performance, which was all the more special as they prepare to celebrate their 124th anniversary. This win against one of South America’s most storied clubs was not just about the scoreline, but also about pride and proving themselves on the continental stage.
Moving forward, Boca Juniors must regroup and prepare for the return leg scheduled for February 25, 2025, at La Bombonera. With the burden of needing to secure at least two goals to advance, the pressure is undeniably on the Argentine team. Should they fail to overcome Alianza, they may end up with no international competition opportunities this season, which would be unthinkable for the club's ambitious goals.
On the other hand, Alianza Lima will travel to Buenos Aires with the confidence of having beaten Boca Juniors. The stakes are higher than ever as they aim to progress to the next stage of the Copa Libertadores, with the hope of capitalizing on their momentum from this impressive victory.
The match epitomizes the thrilling unpredictability of the Copa Libertadores, where historical powerhouses can be challenged by determined underdogs. Football fans worldwide will be keeping their eyes on this matchup, eager to see if Alianza Lima can maintain their advantage against Boca Juniors’ storied comeback attempt.