Boca Self-Inflicted a Setback in the Libertadores: Two Expulsions and a Cobblestone Road

Xeneize stumbles against Barcelona de Guayaquil, showing defensive weaknesses and lack of control in crucial moments.

Club Atlético Boca Juniors, a giant of South American soccer, finds itself at an unexpected crossroads in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. What promised to be an upward path has turned into a labyrinth of self-inflicted setbacks, more the product of its own inattention than the brilliance of its rivals. After a promising start with two consecutive victories, the blue and gold team has had a chain of defeats that put its classification in check.

The recent loss in Guayaquil against Barcelona, a rival that until then had not scored points in Group D, has been the last straw. This setback, which adds to the previous defeat against Cruzeiro in Brazil – marked by an early expulsion of Adam Bareiro – reveals a worrying tendency to lose control of the match at key moments.

Bad fortune has also hit the goal. The serious ligament injury of Agustín Marchesín, a fundamental pillar of the team, left a considerable void. The situation worsened in Ecuador, when Leandro Brey, the substitute goalkeeper, had to leave the field injured after 24 minutes, being replaced by the experienced Javier García. Two goalkeepers out of action in the same match is a scenario that few teams can cope with.

But the hardest and most defining blow came with the expulsion of Santiago Ascacibar. Just after the first half hour of play, the midfielder, a key piece in Boca's scheme, carried out an inexplicable action: a kick at an opponent who was lying on the ground. The VAR intervention was forceful, and the direct red card left the team with ten men on a pitch complicated by the heavy rain. The loss of Ascacibar, a crucial player for the team's dynamics and offensive transition, was a devastating blow.

The situation, however, could have been even more adverse. Before Ascacibar's expulsion, youth player Tomás Aranda received a yellow card for a reckless tackle, a mistake that could have easily resulted in an expulsion. Fortunately for Boca, the player score was equalized shortly after, when Milton Celiz saw a direct red card for Barcelona. The match resumed with ten players on each side, but Boca's excuses faded.

Despite the numerical parity, the xeneize team failed to find its best version. Flashes of quality from Leandro Paredes and a couple of clear opportunities missed by Miguel Merentiel were not enough to prevail. Boca found itself trapped in a game of struggles and tensions, unable to unleash its potential.

The final blow came after a corner in favor of Boca. Barcelona, taking advantage of the weak defensive setback of the Argentine team, sealed the match with a precise definition by Héctor “Tito” Villalba. A counterattack goal that sealed a painful and avoidable defeat.

With this result, Boca Juniors shares the top of Group D with Universidad Católica and Cruzeiro, both with 6 points, waiting for the direct confrontation between them. Barcelona, for its part, remains with 3 units. The path to qualification has become extremely narrow for Boca, which will now have to face its last two home games at La Bombonera: first against Cruzeiro and then against Universidad Católica. The equation is clear: there is no margin for error. The team has complicated itself, and now the pressure to reverse the situation is maximum.

The Copa Libertadores, that tournament that awakens passions and demands maximum concentration, has tested the mettle of Boca Juniors. The next few weeks will be decisive in defining whether the team manages to overcome its own shortcomings and redirect its course in the most prestigious competition in South America.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many games has Boca lost in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores so far?
Boca has lost 2 games in the group stage.
Who are Boca's rivals in Group D?
Boca's rivals in Group D are Barcelona de Guayaquil, Universidad Católica and Cruzeiro.
Which Boca players have been sent off in the last Copa Libertadores matches?
Adam Bareiro and Santiago Ascacibar have been sent off in recent Copa Libertadores matches.
What is Boca's current situation in the Group D standings?
Boca shares the lead in Group D with 6 points, tied with Universidad Católica and Cruzeiro.
Which Boca goalkeepers were injured in the match against Barcelona in Guayaquil?
Leandro Brey was injured during the match, and Agustín Marchesín was already out due to a previous injury.
Against whom will Boca play its next home games in the Copa Libertadores?
Boca will play its next home games against Cruzeiro and Universidad Católica.
Which team scored the winning goal against Boca in Guayaquil?
Héctor “Tito” Villalba scored the winning goal for Barcelona de Guayaquil.
How many points does Barcelona de Guayaquil have in Group D?
Barcelona de Guayaquil has 3 points in Group D.
Which Barcelona player from Guayaquil was sent off in the match against Boca?
Milton Celiz was sent off in the match against Boca.
Is it considered that Boca only made it difficult to qualify for the next round?
Yes, it is considered that Boca complicated the classification due to their own inattention and expulsions.