Boca Juniors’ 1-0 defeat against Alianza Lima in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Phase 2 not only forces them to win by more than one goal at La Bombonera to advance, but it also extends their concerning winless streak in knockout-stage matches of the tournament.

The Xeneize have not won a single elimination match in the Libertadores since December 23, 2020, when they defeated Racing 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Since then, they have played 14 games in such scenarios without securing a victory, relying on penalty shootouts to progress in multiple editions of the competition.

Four Years Without a Knockout-Stage Win

Historically one of the strongest contenders in the Copa Libertadores, Boca has endured a difficult period in direct elimination rounds. Following their last victory against Racing in 2020, the team has faced a frustrating path:

2021: Controversial Elimination Against Atlético Mineiro

After a solid group stage, Boca faced Atlético Mineiro in the round of 16. Both matches were marred by the controversial disallowance of Boca goals. The series ended in a goalless draw and was decided by penalties, where the Brazilian side triumphed 3-1, eliminating Miguel Ángel Russo’s team.

2022: Cássio, Boca’s Executioner in Penalty Shootout

Boca once again faced a Brazilian opponent in the round of 16, this time Corinthians. A 0-0 draw in São Paulo kept the tie open for the return leg at La Bombonera, where Boca dominated but failed to convert their chances. In the penalty shootout, Corinthians goalkeeper Cássio emerged as the hero, and the Timao advanced with a 6-5 win.

2023: Boca Advances Without Winning in Regulation but Falls in the Final

Under Jorge Almirón, Boca reached the Copa Libertadores final, but they did so without winning any knockout-stage matches in regular time.

• Round of 16: 0-0 draw against Nacional in Uruguay and 2-2 in La Bombonera. Boca advanced via penalty shootout.
• Quarterfinals: Two goalless draws against Racing. Boca again progressed through penalties.
• Semifinals: A 0-0 home draw and a 1-1 draw in Brazil against Palmeiras. Another penalty shootout secured Boca’s place in the final.

However, in the final against Fluminense, Boca had no penalties to rely on. They fell 2-1 in extra time after a stunning goal by John Kennedy, missing out on their long-awaited seventh Copa Libertadores title.

2025: A New Attempt and the Urgent Need to End the Streak

After missing the Libertadores in 2024, Boca returned to the tournament in 2025, starting from Phase 2 and needing to navigate multiple rounds to reach the group stage. However, their opening challenge against Alianza Lima ended in a shocking 1-0 defeat in Peru, extending their winless streak in knockout matches to 14 games.

Next Tuesday, at La Bombonera, Boca must win by at least two goals to stay alive in the tournament. The pressure is immense, and the question remains: Can the Xeneize finally break this dreadful streak and reclaim their Copa Libertadores mystique?