After suffering one of the most severe blows to its reputation and competitive status, Boca Juniors has been eliminated from the Copa Libertadores 2025 following a shocking penalty shootout loss to Alianza Lima. The Argentinian club's aspirations for international glory were dashed as they narrowly lost 5-4 on penalties after initially defeating the Peruvians 2-1 during regular time at La Bombonera.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the match kicked off. Boca was quick to capitalize on the home advantage, putting themselves on the scoreboard within the first five minutes due to an own goal from Alianza Lima's Miguel Trauco. It seemed Boca was set to dominate, but the tide shifted when Hernán Barcos equalized for the visitors at the 19-minute mark, catching Boca's defense off guard.
Despite intermittent threats, Boca reclaimed the lead with Kevin Zenón's header early in the second half. Yet, the night took another unexpected turn when Edinson Cavani squandered what many considered to be the match-winning goal just minutes before penalties. The miss loomed large, leaving fans and teammates bewildered, echoing sentiments of deep disappointment.
Agustín Marchesín, who had performed capably for most of the match, was at the center of controversy just before the shootout began. He requested to be substituted out for backup goalkeeper Leandro Brey, who had previously made headlines as a penalty-saving hero. This bold move raised eyebrows among fans and commentators alike, many of whom questioned Marchesín's decision. Boca fans took to social media to express their outrage: “How could Marchesín, with his experience, ask to be substituted? It was cowardly!” remarked one frustrated supporter.
The decision was defended by Boca's manager, Fernando Gago, during the post-match press conference. He explained the choice as strategic, citing Brey's previous success in penalty situations: “Lea is more accustomed to the analysis needed for saving penalties; he has very good statistics,” Gago emphasized when asked about the rationale for the surprising substitution.
Despite the tactical switch, the penalties proved to be catastrophic for Boca. Brey, thrown dynamically onto the stage, failed to save any of the shots taken by the Alianza Lima players. Meanwhile, Guillermo Viscarra, Alianza's goalkeeper, rose to the occasion, expertly denying Alan Velasco's shot to seal Boca's fate. This marked not only Boca's exit from the Copa Libertadores but also eliminated their chances of competing in the Copa Sudamericana throughout the year.
The defeat not only reflected poorly on individual performances but also weighed heavily on the team's morale. Gago articulated this distress, stating, “This is a devastating blow. It was our dream, and it's painful for everyone here, for the fans, and for us,” echoing the sentiments of disappointment pervading the club's supporters.
One of the starkest images from the match was seeing Marchesín at the bench, visibly conflicted as his teammates prepared for the penalty shootout. Observers noted the juxtaposition of his earlier strong saves throughout the match against this last-minute decision, creating what many called a “psychological” moment of failure.
The fallout from this loss for Boca Juniors is immense, as they are now left to focus on domestic competitions for the rest of the year. With no international titles on the horizon, fans and management alike are left wondering what the future holds for the squad. Boca Juniors will need to channel this disappointment productively as they participate only within the Argentine league’s tournaments, grappling with repairing their reputation.
Moving forward, Boca must confront the grievances expressed by its loyal fanbase and rectify the underlying issues exposed during this challenging season. The club’s management and players now share the onus to reinvigorate their trust and prove their worth on the national stage, with hopes of making future campaigns more fruitful.
For Boca Juniors, this elimination serves as both a painful lesson and, potentially, as a catalyst for improvement as they seek to reclaim their status among South America's football elite.