Eduardo Domínguez and His Dangerous Habit of Knocking Boca Juniors Out
The Atlético Mineiro coach is set to face Boca Juniors again, this time with a continental title on the line. His overall record is remarkably even, but one detail gives him an intriguing edge.
Eduardo Domínguez will face a familiar opponent when Atlético Mineiro takes on Boca Juniors in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final. The Argentine coach knows Boca well, and his head-to-head record tells a remarkably balanced yet fascinating story.
Across 14 official meetings, Domínguez has recorded four wins, five draws, and five losses while managing Huracán, Colón, Independiente, and Estudiantes de La Plata.
But there is one detail that makes their upcoming showdown particularly interesting: Domínguez has won both knockout ties he has contested against Boca, each while in charge of Estudiantes.
Estudiantes Turned the Tables
Domínguez's first five meetings with Boca were far from encouraging. He earned a draw with Huracán in 2016, suffered three consecutive defeats while coaching Colón, and managed another draw with Independiente in 2022.
Everything changed during his time at Estudiantes de La Plata. In nine matches against Boca, he registered four wins, three draws, and two losses. In fact, every victory he has enjoyed against the Buenos Aires club came during his spell with Estudiantes.
Their most recent meeting also went his way, as Estudiantes defeated Boca 2-1 on January 28, 2026, in Argentina's Torneo Apertura.
Unbeaten in Knockout Showdowns
Beyond the overall numbers, Domínguez's most significant victories against Boca have come when elimination was at stake.
The first arrived in the 2023 Copa Argentina semifinals, when Estudiantes claimed a 3-2 victory to reach the final. Just five months later, the teams met again in the semifinals of the 2024 Copa de la Liga.
That encounter finished 1-1 after regulation time, but Estudiantes prevailed 3-1 in the penalty shootout before going on to lift the trophy. Domínguez had knocked Boca out of both competitions in which they met in a direct elimination showdown.
A Final With Unfinished Business
The November 21 final in Barranquilla, Colombia, will mark Domínguez's 15th official meeting with Boca and his first while managing a club outside Argentina.
It will also be his second Copa Sudamericana final. In 2015, he led Huracán to the title match, only to lose to Independiente Santa Fe in a penalty shootout. Eleven years later, he will have another opportunity, this time with Atlético Mineiro.
For the Brazilian club, the challenge is to win its first Copa Sudamericana title after losing the 2025 final to Lanús. For Domínguez, it is a chance to finally capture a trophy that has already slipped through his fingers and strengthen his remarkable record against Boca.
Eduardo Domínguez's Record Against Boca
- 14 matches: Four wins, five draws, and five losses as a head coach.
- With Estudiantes: Nine meetings, four victories, three draws, and two defeats.
- In knockout ties: Two successful qualifications in two attempts, in the 2023 Copa Argentina and 2024 Copa de la Liga.
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Eduardo Rodrigo Domínguez
CA Mineiro
