Another blow. Another one. For this racing by Gustavo Costas The seems capable of anything: that exudes mysticism, character and a winning aura that can withstand anyone, that rises from the ashes and that, when it seemed to run out of gas, won 11 of the last 14 games, They make their fans beat their chests with pride. Because his players and his coach soak it up, as the song goes.
Another blow for Boca, also another for this team that has suffered another failure. A Boca that has only played one competition and fails again in a crucial game at home: like against Alianza Lima in the Libertadores playoff; like against Independiente in the Apertura quarterfinals; like now, in this semi-final, in that He said goodbye almost without scoring the goal and leaving a gray picture behind.
In the end, it was also a blow for River, the evening’s other loser, who depended on the consecration of his classic rival to aim for a place in the Libertadores. In terms of football, it was a disappointing scenario, but one that left several sentences behind. And an open championship final that is looking for its second finalist this Monday in the La Plata classic.
The atmosphere, the expectation, the air of finality that existed beforehand disappeared with kick-off. Boca and Racing despised their group of candidates in the first half. Boca, urged by their people, had the initiative, but lacked ideas, resources and the necessary clarity to organize a scoring game that did not rely on an attack from Zeballos from the left or the aimless crosses from Lautaro Blanco. Race without Santiago Sosa -suspended- and with several physically at the limit (Rojas, Solari), showed more composure, but he lacked courage and there wasn’t much left to corner Boca.
Racing’s intentions were made clear from the start: Costas assembled a line of five defenders, with Colombo remaining, and attempted to mimic Sosa’s movements, alternating between libero and central midfielder. The plan aimed to strengthen a middle zone weakened by the accumulation of defenders and the decision to support the front three. But the former defense and justice minister didn’t offer the same: he was inaccurate at the start and was put under pressure by Boca, who targeted him knowing his limitations. In the second half he settled for doubts after a start. This distributed possession but allowed Boca to cross this sector more easily. Solari, one of those who arrived with just enough resources due to a strain on his right quadriceps, was unable to use his speed to trouble Blanco or contribute in defense, forcing Mura to deal with the tandem of Zeballos and the full-back.
The game everyone expected lacked the play and emotion it promised. Boca once again had no game and he went for the shot and the stopped balla route he couldn’t use because Paredes was inaccurate. Racing passed crosses to Maravilla Martínez, which were easily absorbed by Di Lollo. We had to wait until the 41st minute for the first sensation of a goal: Almendra – booed by La Bombonera because of his controversial departure in 2022 and the million-dollar lawsuit that Boca has just won against him – crossed the ball for the surprising cross from Mura, who assisted Nardoni with a cross shot next to the post. A boring, choppy, talky first half. There was no controversy apart from the yellow cards for Nardoni, Mura and Di Césare.
The race grew within the team and the game was at least no longer a torture. He advanced a few meters, Martínez passed to duel with Di Lollo, Nardoni seemed more likely to reach his best, Gabriel Rojas let go and Colombo no longer took any risks. Remarkably, Ubeda decided to leave Zeballos. the only thing that suggested otherwise was the entry of Alan Velasco, who returned after two months of inactivity. The change irritated the Bombonera, which demanded the departure of the unpredictable Giménez. Paredes also did not hide his anger: not at Velasco, but at the distance from Changuito. It is partly clear: if Giménez were to leave, the expected change would be Cavani, who is also not going through a good time. And Boca, already starting with three attacks, couldn’t afford to play without a 9.
To make matters worse, almost on the next play came Almendra’s deep pass, Rojas’ cross and Maravilla Martínez’s header, which caught Marchesin’s back leg and ended a streak of 965 minutes without a conversion: ten and a half games.
The first reaction sounded from the stands: the rallying cry that called for a reaction. But the spark didn’t spread from the field. Boca fell into his own nervousness. Racing gave in with discretion, found room in the changes (Conechny was disruptive up front, Zuculini unsettled in the middle) and even had a few poorly resolved counterattacks. The last few minutes were too similar to the beginning: everything was desperation, anger and frustration. Cavani didn’t come into the game either: Ubeda picked Battaglia to look for a saving header.
If the Boca coach seemed to have secured his continuity before the game, this blow brings everything back to square one. The club will spend three years without a title and although it will return to the Copa Libertadores, it failed to be crowned in a year when there was not even international competition. Another setback that will have consequences. These games are characterized by details, and this time the difference was also on the benches: in the decisions, but also in the presentation of the individual coaches.
At the final whistle, the Racing players fell exhausted onto the pitch and immediately gathered in the center circle to form the circle, which is already a postcard of this team. Those from Boca, on the other hand, were dejected and barely found the strength to raise their arms and greet the second tray, from which there was a weak, almost protocol applause.
The image repeats itself. Racing competes, fights, celebrates and finds something special in the limit moments. Boca is the opposite: a team that misses opportunities and cannot get out of a hole that is getting deeper and deeper. In a weak match, the classic ultimately went to whoever showed the most determination in this type of match. Something that is abundant in racing and has long been missing in Boca.
About The Author
