Boca wins against Alianza Lima by 2 to 1 in the Copa Libertadores play-off

Boca will play the year against Alianza Lima at La Bombonera for Phase 2 of the Copa Libertadores play-offs For this momentous duel, Fernando Gago has proposed a line-up that includes the return of several important players and key players of the squad.

The nervousness was palpable, Boca was disjointed, struggling to put together passes calmly and in a hurry to unlock the goal . Merentiel's cross into nowhere just 3 minutes into the action was a clear indication. But then Miguel Trauco arrived: The visiting defender retreated desperately to cover the second post, and he took the ball that Marcelo Saracchi sent into the area. Fernando Gago and the entire bench exploded, the long-awaited goal had arrived early.

Logically, after that action, the Xeneize changed. They allowed themselves to have more time with the ball, they linked up successfully in the middle and, although they still did not pose much danger, they seemed to begin to justify the 1-0. However, another fortuitous play changed everything. Pablo Ceppellini perfectly executed a free kick to the penalty spot, and Hernán Barcos headed in an unstoppable shot.

And again, like at the beginning. Boca nervous, pushed by the war cry mixing anger and encouragement from its fans , and Alianza Lima throwing the responsibility at them. Thus, Eryc Castillo had the clearest chance of the entire series, when in a 3 vs 1 counterattack he lost the one-on-one with Agustín Marchesín. The rest of the first half was a suffering, with a team that did not find the formula to hurt again.

The best thing that could have happened to Gago's team was to finish the first half. After the 15-minute break , they came out refreshed, with a better appearance and more decisive. Within a few minutes, Cavani hit the post, and Kevin Zenón adjusted his aim, demanding goalkeeper Viscarra.

Like a whirlwind, the home team pressed Alianza Lima against their own goal, and they were rewarded. Palacios took a corner into the area, Marcos Rojo won it in the air, and on the rebound Zenón pushed it in for 2-1.

Boca Juniors: Agustin Marchesin; Luis Advincula, Rodrigo Battaglia, Marcos Rojo, Marcelo Saracchi; Ander Herrera, Milton Delgado, Kevin Zenon; Carlos Palacios; Miguel Merentiel, Edinson Cavani. Coach: Fernando Gago.

Coach : Nestor Gorosito.

Referee: Piero Maza.

Stadium: La Bombonera.

Goals: PT: 6' Miguel Trauco e/c (B), 19' Hernán Barcos (AL) . ST: 11' Kevin Zenón (B)

Changes: PT: 33' Fernando Gaibor x Ceppellini (AL). ST: 11' Alan Cantero x Quevedo (AL), 30' Williams Alarcón and Lautaro Blanco x Saracchi and Herrera (B)