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Boca Juniors scored two away goals in the return leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final to sink Brazilian side Palmeiras 4-2 on aggregate and cruise to the competition’s final for a record 11th time.
In addition to the two-goal lead carried on from La Bombanera last week, Ramon ‘Wanchope’ Abila and first leg hero Dario Benedetto scored once in each half to put the match well out of reach of the Brazilians.
Despite conceding an early away goal, Palmeiras pulled two back within quick succession in the second half, courtesy of Luan and Gustavo Gomez. This sparked hope in the home supporters but it turned out to be a case of too little too late as Benedetto’s strike left them with an insurmountable task.
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We take a look at the major talking points from the game.
#1 Clueless Palmeiras cede initiative
The first leg of the semi-final was a dull affair for over 80 minutes until Benedetto’s introduction quickly changed things for Boca. The Argentine international scored twice to put his side in a strong position going into the second leg, leaving the Brazilians with no choice but to attack from the get-go.
In the 9th minute, Scolari’s side thought they had the all-important first goal via Bruno Henrique - and thereby a toehold in the game - only for VAR to chalk it off due to Deyverson being offside during the build-up.
That should have energized them to go all guns blazing; however, what followed was mostly aimless running, zero penetration and ceding possession dangerously which enabled Boca’s swift counters.
Palmeiras knew what they had to do but their execution lacked skill and fervour. They had a swell of the ball in the first half without making much use of it.
Minutes after their effort was ruled out, they let the visitors score by giving away the ball to Nandez (who was brilliant tonight) in midfield, whose pass to Sebastian Villa led to Abila’s goal. This took the wind out of the hosts’ sails for the better part of the first half.
The momentum was in Boca’s favour and it was all Palmeiras could do not to concede any more.
#2 Schelotto gets his tactics spot on
Boca were set up in a 4-1-4-1, with Wilmar Barrios as their defensive midfielder. The Colombian was a colossus in the centre of the park – intercepting and tackling opponents, and helping his team’s build-up play.
The Argentine coach also made a couple of changes to the backline and brought in Sebastian Villa to play on the flank, with Abila slotting through the centre. Benedetto dropped to the bench and so did home leg starter Carlos Tevez.
If any eyebrows were raised due to Benedetto not making the starting XI, they should all have been put well in their places by the end.
The visitors’ manager took a well-drilled side who could exploit the counter quickly – with Pavon and Villa – and also defend sturdily with Barrios shielding the backline.
His selection was vindicated; first Abila scored to pile the pressure on Palmeiras and following the home side’s quick second-half goals, Schelotto brought in Benedetto whose sucker punch goal effectively sealed the tie in his side’s favour.
Palmeiras’ 4-2-3-1 meant Felipe Melo or one of his compatriots staying behind with others required to track back in the face of a Boca counter. That left 4 midfielders and Deyverson to take on Boca’s off-the-ball 5 in midfield in addition to the goalkeeper.
In addition to the numerical disadvantage while on the ball, the hosts’ control and finishing lacked any real threat for large parts of the game.
Mauro Zarate was brought on with just a few minutes to go and he had an opportunity to further extend Boca’s lead. His free-kick ricocheted off the top right underside of the bar before going out of play.
#3 Embers of a comeback nipped by unfocused defence
Bruno Henrique hit the back of the net within ten minutes of kick-off, sending Allianz Parque into absolute rapture, i.e., until his effort was invalidated for being offside earlier.
9 minutes later, Boca had the lead and more importantly, an away goal. It meant Palmeiras required 4 goals to progress to the finals and what started out as a difficult task, edged perilously close to being impossible. The hosts did not do themselves any favours by failing to capitalize on a bright start either.
The second half was a different affair; with just over 52 minutes gone, Luan raced on the right flank and sent a shot through Rossi’s legs to offer Palmeiras a glimmer of hope.
On the hour mark, Izquierdoz made a silly push on Dudu in the box and Scolari’s side were awarded a penalty. Gustavo Gomez scored from the spot and suddenly, there was belief in the air.
Gomez and Dudu went close to scoring a couple of times after. However, the home defence was caught napping as Nandez stood strong in the face of a challenge. His pass found Benedetto, who after a quick one-two, sent a shot straight into the net, pouring cold water on the Brazilians’ hopes.
#4 Nandez and Villa shine, Barrios imperious in midfield
It was an excellent team performance from Boca Juniors on a night when a lot, including continental pride, was at stake.
Rossi made a couple of fine stops at the perfect time from headers as well as one from range. Magallan and Izquierdoz stood like a wall, with Barrios in front. Olaza and Jara – the visitors’ fullbacks – also kept a wary eye on any Palmeiras attack.
Nahitan Nandez and Sebastian Villa were operating at a different level, though. The two synced well and it was one of the former’s perfectly weighted pass that found Villa on the right before he crossed for Abila’s tap-in.
Nandez has been immense for Boca in the centre of the park and Villa’s pace and technique were handy tonight.
Wilmar Barrios had a stupendous outing, keeping watch as well as initiating attacks when possible. He was effective, efficient and economical in possession, all of which suited his side perfectly.
#5 Historic Copa Libertadores clash: Superclasico
It doesn’t get any bigger than this! As difficult as it may be to believe, River Plate and Boca Juniors are yet to face off in the Copa Libertadores.
Boca’s scalp of Palmeiras in the semi-final and River’s victory over holders Gremio on Tuesday has paved the way for a historic two-legged Superclasico to be played in mid-to-late-November.
This is also the last edition of the continental competition where the final will be played over two legs (home and away) as opposed to a single fixture at a neutral venue.
River have got the better of Boca in the two clubs’ recent meetings – in the league as well as the Supercopa Argentina finale. Schelotto’s charges will be raring to have a go at Gallardo and co in order to settle part of the score and salvage wounded pride.
The run-up to the final has seen organizer CONMEBOL in all sorts of soup with respect to handling disciplinary violations, with them falling foul of Brazilian fans as much due to the walkover for River (vs. Santos) as for inconsistent refereeing (Cruzeiro – Dede red card, River – Pity Martinez scoring with his arm).
Whatever be the past, the finalists have been chosen and the stage is all set for a mouth-watering clash between the Argentine behemoths. The ball is in their court now and in less than a month, one of them will be crowned South American champions.
