Copa Libertadores: Palmeiras 2-2 Boca Juniors (aggregate 2-4): 5 talking points and analysis

#2 Schelotto gets his tactics spot on

Boca Juniors v Palmeiras - Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018

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.

3/3 - Darío Benedetto has scored three goals in the 2018 @Libertadores semifinals between #Boca and #Palmeiras, with his first three shots attempted. Infallible. https://t.co/uQiQlKlKTg

— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) November 1, 2018

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.