There’s no doubt that Boca Juniors’ elimination from the Copa Libertadores is a tough blow. They came close to advancing past Alianza Lima, but the penalty shootout sealed their fate.

In this context, cameras captured Juan Román Riquelme, who initially appeared devastated after failing to achieve one of the season’s main objectives.

Riquelme’s Reaction After Boca Juniors’ Elimination

Alianza Lima Eliminates Boca Juniors in Copa Libertadores Penalty Shootout

Alianza Lima secured a historic 4-5 victory in the penalty shootout against Boca Juniors after a 2-1 defeat in regulation time, advancing to the third round of the Copa Libertadores. This milestone marks the first time a Peruvian team has eliminated Boca Juniors in a Copa Libertadores knockout round.

Boca Juniors' Elimination: The Penalty Heartbreak

Boca Juniors entered the match at La Bombonera with the goal of overcoming a one-goal deficit from the first leg in Lima. They initially took the lead with an own goal by Miguel Trauco and a second-half header by Kevin Zenón. However, Alianza Lima struck back, with veteran Hernán Barcos scoring to restore the advantage in the global scoreline.

Historic Achievement for Alianza Lima

With this win, Alianza Lima made history, becoming the first Peruvian club to eliminate Boca Juniors from the Copa Libertadores in an elimination round. The match ended with a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Boca, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Alianza Lima prevailed 4-5, with goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra saving Alan Velasco’s decisive penalty.

The Key Moments of the Match

In the opening stages, Boca, backed by their passionate fans, sought to level the series, with Luis Advíncula and Marcelo Saracchi providing width on the flanks. A sixth-minute cross from Saracchi was met by Miguel Trauco, who inadvertently scored an own goal, giving Boca an early advantage.

Alianza Lima, however, quickly settled into the match defensively, with Carlos Zambrano and Renzo Garcés holding firm at the back. Alianza Lima’s attacking threat came from Kevin Quevedo and Jesús Castillo, with Quevedo’s free kick in the 19th minute leading to a powerful header from Barcos to equalize the tie.

Boca’s Struggles and Alianza Lima’s Resilience

Despite continued pressure from Boca, Alianza Lima remained resilient, and in the 30th minute, Kevin Quevedo had a chance to put the visitors ahead, but Boca's goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín made a crucial save.

The second half saw Boca push for another goal, with Edinson Cavani and Kevin Zenón testing Viscarra, but the goalkeeper continued to shine. In the 58th minute, Zenón scored a header following a corner kick, giving Boca the lead for the first time in the match.

However, a scuffle between the two teams saw multiple yellow cards and two Alianza Lima assistants ejected. Despite further opportunities from Boca, including a late header from Milton Giménez and a missed chance from Cavani, the match remained tied at 2-2.

The Penalty Shootout Drama

Boca made a goalkeeper change before the shootout, replacing Marchesín with Leandro Brey, but it was to no avail. Alianza Lima converted all five penalties, while Boca missed one, with Viscarra saving Velasco’s attempt, sealing the win for Alianza Lima.

Alianza Lima Advances to Face Deportes Iquique

Alianza Lima’s victory earned them a spot in the third round of the Copa Libertadores, where they will face Chilean club Deportes Iquique, who advanced by defeating Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia in a penalty shootout.