After suffering a setback against Alianza Lima, Boca Juniors faced mounting internal tensions as they prepared to take on Aldosivi at La Bombonera. The loss left many questioning the team's direction and morale, especially after noted discussions involving club icon Juan Román Riquelme and manager Fernando Gago. The atmosphere was tense, reflected not only by the players' performance but also among the disappointed fans.
Boca Juniors entered the match against Aldosivi needing to prove themselves. During the week leading up to the game, Gago held candid discussions with the players about their performances and what could be improved. Martín Arévalo, reporting on the situation, noted, "It is normal and appropriate for Riquelme to talk with players, something he has done with every Boca coach after any situation he considers necessary for intervention. Nevertheless, none of these conversations changed the team's fortunes."
The first half of the match was less than stellar. Boca struggled to find their rhythm, exhibiting flaws similar to those seen previously. Young talent Milton Delgado showed promise but failed to truly challenge Aldosivi's goalkeeper, Williams Barlasina. Fans became increasingly restless, chanting "Movete Boca, Movete" as they expressed their frustration. By halftime, Gago and his squad left the field to boos, highlighting the discontent brewing within the ranks.
Fortunately for the home team, the second half kicked off with newfound energy. Just three minutes after the restart, Luis Advíncula unleashed a stunning left-footed strike, finding the top corner of the net and initially exhilarating the crowd. Yet, this lead proved short-lived. The Aldosivi team, determined to exploit Boca's vulnerabilities, responded quickly. Just one minute later, newcomer Tiago Serrago, making his impact felt within seconds of coming on, leveled the score with a powerful shot from outside the box.
This setback reignited frustrations among Boca’s supporters, who had hoped the team would rally after Advíncula’s goal. Lucas Janson’s absence was felt on the pitch; he left amid jeers as fans expressed their displeasure. Nevertheless, Boca persevered, and their resilience paid off when Miguel Merentiel netted the decisive goal late in the 83rd minute, securing the 2-1 victory. Despite the imperfect match, this victory positioned Boca Juniors solidly, now at 14 points, among the leaders of Zone A of the Apertura Tournament.
Post-match, questions persisted about Gago's management style. Arévalo criticized Gago's criticisms of specific players, arguing, "Pointing out players who are underperforming is necessary, but the approach of constant change can undermine confidence. When Zeballos is questioned about this, he may say it’s all past, but it leaves unresolved issues concerning the communication methods used. Gago is no longer a player; he needs to adapt his approach." This sentiment echoed throughout the fanbase, forcing Gago to reconsider how he handles sensitive conversations moving forward.
Looking forward, Boca Juniors must find stability and cohesion before their next challenge against Alianza Lima on February 25 for the second leg of the Copa Libertadores. With emotions running high and expectations mounting, the team's performance moving forward will be under close scrutiny. The players need to leverage this win to build confidence and maintain focus as they aim to improve their position both domestically and internationally.