Boca Juniors, one of South America's most storied football clubs, has faced widespread criticism following its unexpected elimination from the Copa Libertadores at the hands of Alianza Lima. The match, held at La Bombonera, concluded with Boca losing 5-4 on penalties after both teams finished tied 2-2 on aggregate.
The dramatic night saw Boca control much of the possession—79%—but fail to convert their chances, highlighting deep-rooted issues within the squad. Fans' frustrations have been palpable, prompting calls for drastic changes within the club's administration.
Fernando Gago, the head coach, has been under fire since the team's disappointing performance. Gago, who risked his reputation as both player and manager, is now facing scrutiny over his decisions during the high-stakes knockout game. "Es un golpe durísimo. Era una ilusión seguir en la Copa Libertadores..." (It's a tough blow. There was hope to continue in the Copa Libertadores...), Gago expressed during the post-match press conference, reflecting the collective dismay of the players and fans alike.
One of the pivotal moments of the match came from Alan Velasco, the young talent who was entrusted with taking the decisive penalty. Gago defended this choice, saying, "Le tocó a Alan el quinto penal..." (It was Alan's turn to take the fifth penalty...), indicating it was determined by the flow of the match and players' willingness to step up.
The match unfolded with high drama right from the start. Boca took the lead within the first five minutes, thanks to an own goal by Alianza Lima's Miguel Trauco, setting off hopes of a comeback for Boca, which had to overturn Alianza Lima's advantage from the first leg.
Despite exhibiting strong ball circulation and moments of brilliance from players like Carlos Palacios, Boca failed to maintain their early momentum. Gago's formation, initially logical, began to falter as Alianza Lima capitalized on defensive errors and seized the momentum, equalizing through Hernán Barcos's header from a free kick.
From there, Boca struggled with nerves, unable to capitalize on their possession as they resorted to increasingly desperate crosses. Notably, star striker Edinson Cavani missed two golden opportunities, including one late chance where he failed to convert right under the crossbar, ensuring he would be remembered as one of the match's villains.
Alianza Lima's goalkeeper, Guillermo Viscarra, was instrumental, recording several key saves throughout the match, thwarting Boca's attempts to reclaim the lead. His performance stood out as he denied established players one after the other, becoming the hero of the night for the Peruvian side.
Post-match, both Gago and Alianza Lima's manager, Pipo Gorosito, commented on the match's intensity. Gorosito, who had faced skepticism about his team's chances, said, "Nos daban por muertos antes de jugar..." (They had written us off before we played...), highlighting his team's resilience.
The exit from the Copa Libertadores is compounded by the fact Boca Juniors will not have the consolation of the Copa Sudamericana, leaving many to question the future of the current squad and coaching staff. Gago's future remains uncertain, but he remained optimistic, stating, "Me siento con fuerzas ciento por ciento..." (I feel completely strong...), insisting on the need for the team to regroup and move forward positively.
Fan sentiment is mixed, with many disappointed not simply by the loss but by the manner of it—frustration over perceived tactical missteps and player power dynamics. Calls for accountability have grown louder, as supporters express their anger over the investment made by the club only to see it culminate in such failure.
Alan Velasco, picked for the decisive penalty kick, is now at the center of the debate over whether he is fit for this level of pressure. His performance has led to discussions about potential changes needed within the team setup, especially concerning their top players who underperformed when it mattered most.
The road forward remains steep for Boca, but with the Liga Profesional and FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, the club is focusing on regaining its footing. With questions about the squad and Gago's tactics still looming, Boca's rich history places pressure on the leadership to respond swiftly to revitalise the team and restore hope among its passionate fan base.