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

#4 Nandez and Villa shine, Barrios imperious in midfield

Boca Juniors v Palmeiras - Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018

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.

1 - Wilmar Barrios was the #BocaJuniors player with the most touches (53), successful passes (26), recoveries (8), interceptions (6), fouls won (4) and blocks (2) in the second leg of the Copa #Libertadores semifinals against #Palmeiras. Beast. https://t.co/K6K1gNRI5f

— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) November 1, 2018