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

#3 Embers of a comeback nipped by unfocused defence

Boca Juniors v Palmeiras - Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018

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.