"I liked the team," was the controversial statement by Miguel Ángel Russo after Boca Juniors’ painful elimination from the Copa Argentina. The Xeneize were knocked out of a competition that granted a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores, one of the club’s major goals.

With a starting lineup that placed all hopes on the return of newly signed World Cup winner Leandro Paredes, as well as the comeback of the heavily criticized Colombian Frank Fabra and the attacking duo Cavani-Merentiel, Boca lined up at the Estadio Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero to face Atlético Tucumán in the round of 32.

The first half was balanced. Boca showed a more aggressive version compared to recent matches, though it wasn’t enough. "We lacked creativity and decisiveness," Cavani summed up after the game. The Decano, with a smart tactical setup by Lucas Pusineri, controlled much of the first half. However, Boca reacted late with a few dangerous plays led by the consistent Miguel Merentiel.

In the second half came the two decisive goals. The first followed a controversial corner: replays showed a clear foul on Paredes, who ended up on the ground. Referee Mastrángelo hesitated, and the play resulted in a goal by Clever Ferreira.

Boca, amidst protests, pushed forward with everything they had. But in their desperate attempt to equalize, they were hit with a lethal counterattack: Marchesín stopped a one-on-one against Leandro Díaz with help from substitute Lautaro Blanco, but the rebound fell to Mateo Bajamich, who sealed the 2-0.

Cavani pulled one back in the 97th minute, ending a drought of over four months without scoring. But it was too late: only seven minutes were added and the equalizer never came. Boca was eliminated from yet another tournament, adding to a streak of disappointment.

Russo on Fabra's return:

"I know Fabra very well. We've talked. He’s doing well. I think he played an important game today. He needs to keep improving. I trust him as I do Barinaga. I believe both contributed positively. Fran started to feel tired, so I felt it was time to sub him. He hadn’t played in a while. He needs to keep working and find his best form. Today, with the way teams play against Boca, wing play is key. We have options like Advíncula, Blanco...".

Clausura Tournament or Last Chance?

The Clausura Tournament now looks like Boca’s final opportunity in 2025. A fan-organized protest, associated with opposition groups, has gone viral on social media, calling for the removal of Juan Román Riquelme and his Football Council.

The current board has downplayed the protest as “kicking someone when they’re down,” but the elimination hit hard, reigniting debates among members, families, and Xeneize fans.

Boca now must bounce back in the Liga Profesional if they hope to claim the title and secure a spot in the next Libertadores.

According to ESPN Argentina, after the match, president Riquelme went down to the locker room and told the players: “Swallow your pride, lower your heads, and keep working. The only way out is by winning.”

Upcoming Boca Juniors Matches

• Sunday, July 27: vs Huracán (Estadio Tomás A. Ducó)
• Sunday, August 10: vs Racing Club (La Bombonera)
• Sunday, August 17: vs Independiente Rivadavia (Mendoza)