Boca Juniors is set to take on Alianza Lima on February 25, 2025, at 21:30 Brasília time, at the iconic La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. This high-stakes match marks the return leg of the second phase of the Copa Libertadores, with Alianza Lima holding the advantage after their surprise 1-0 victory over Boca Juniors during the first leg.
The Peruvian side needs only to secure a draw to guarantee their place in the next round, whereas Boca Juniors must win by at least two goals to progress outright. If they manage to win by just one goal, the match would be decided by penalties, adding to the tension of this already compelling encounter.
Following years of dominance, Boca Juniors finds themselves battling not only to advance but also to redeem their status. Historically, they have been strong contenders, previously winning the Libertadores title as recently as 2007 and reaching the finals multiple times since then. Their performance last year saw them finish as runners-up after losing to Fluminense.
"Boca Juniors needs to win by at least two goals to advance," emphasized CNN, amplifying the pressure on the Argentine giants as they face elimination from the tournament for the second consecutive year. A repeat of the failure to qualify for the prestigious competition would be devastating for the club, as the last time they were absent for two straight seasons was between 2009-2011.
Reflecting on Boca's challenges, their recent league form includes several ups and downs. Despite extensive team restructuring and high-profile signings like Edinson Cavani, who is expected to lead the attack against Alianza Lima, the team has struggled to find consistent form. After gaining only 14 points from ten matches, they have been unable to replicate the highs of their earlier campaigns.
Conversely, Alianza Lima rides the momentum of their recent win and is positioned energetically for the rematch. With Pablo Ceppelini's decisive goal sealing their first-leg victory, they will enter La Bombonera full of confidence. "Alianza Lima currently leads after their 1-0 victory at home," noted Estadão, highlighting their buoyant form as they seek to surprise Boca again.
Historically, the rivalry between Boca Juniors and Alianza Lima has been evenly matched, with both teams sharing wins and losses across five previous encounters. Playing at home, Boca Juniors traditionally has strong support from their fans, which they hope will propel them to victory. Statistics reveal Boca has won six of their last eight home matches, showcasing their home advantage.
The challenge for Boca remains clear: they must enforce their home-field dominance and capitalize on the crowd's energy to overturn the deficit. Experts are predicting aggressive early attacking play as Boca searches for goals, with suggestions they may employ high-pressure tactics from the outset.
On the flip side, Alianza Lima's strategy will be to absorb the pressure and hit on the counter, relying on their defensive organization. Coach Néstor Gorosito has emphasized the importance of maintaining their composure throughout the match and capitalizing on any Boca mistakes.
This match isn't just about advancing; it's about restoring pride for Boca Juniors, who are eager to prove they're still one of South America's elite clubs. If they fail to advance past Alianza Lima, it would mark another year of disappointment.
Fans and pundits alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating evening at La Bombonera. Boca Juniors must put everything on the line to prove they belong on the big stage of the Libertadores once more. With the stakes so high, all eyes will be on this titan matchup.