Boca Living Its Worst Nightmare: 11 Games Without a Win and a Crisis With No Way Out

“To Boca fans, I ask for forgiveness,” said Miguel Ángel Russo after the defeat against Huracán. The team, led by the experienced coach, is going through the worst negative streak in its history: 11 matches without a victory, including domestic and international competitions. The Boca world is in turmoil. The latest loss, a 0–1 against Huracán at the Tomás Adolfo Ducó stadium, has deepened an already unsustainable crisis.

The team can’t find footballing answers, goals are not coming, and even its key players are struggling to stay composed. In fact, the surprising substitution of Miguel Merentiel at halftime created a confusing situation that still lacks an official explanation.

As the second half was about to start and Boca returned to the pitch hoping to turn things around, the unexpected happened. With the team already lined up, a firm order came from Russo to his assistants: “The change, now.” Merentiel, surprised to see Milton Giménez coming on, gestured to the bench to confirm if he was the one being subbed out. After receiving a yes, he walked off visibly upset and headed straight down the tunnel… to the showers?

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After the match, Agustín Marchesín, the first player interviewed on the pitch, couldn’t clarify the incident, and Russo failed to provide a convincing explanation during the press conference. To add to the mystery, Argentine media reported a strong rumor: that Merentiel, upon entering the locker room, shattered a glass door in frustration. A photo that went viral on social media seemed to support the story. So far, neither the club nor the player has released an official statement.

Russo on the winless streak

“I take full responsibility, don’t look for things where there are none. This is not normal. I don’t like losing. I’m not used to losing with Boca. It’s the first time this has happened to me, but I’m mentally strong. Now it’s up to me alone to turn things around.”

Russo on Merentiel’s substitution

“We had discussed it. There was a paperwork issue on the bench, nothing more. He wasn’t surprised because we had spoken about it in the locker room. It was an issue with the fourth official and the people there. Don’t make a big deal out of it—it’s not worth it.”

Annual table: Boca’s last bullet for the 2026 Libertadores

The only way Boca can still qualify for the 2026 Copa Libertadores is through the annual standings. Before the loss to Huracán, the Xeneize sat in third place. Now, they are fourth, tied at 35 points with Argentinos Juniors, who lead on goal difference.

Rosario Central – 40 pts
With Ángel Di María as the star, the Canalla leads the table with confidence.

River Plate – 38 pts
Led by Marcelo Gallardo, with Juanfer Quintero as the key player, they remain strong contenders for the cup spots.

Argentinos Juniors – 35 pts (+GD)
The Bicho from La Paternal holds third place on goal difference.

Boca Juniors – 35 pts (–GD)
Russo’s team has dropped to fourth and can no longer afford to slip.

In the current Torneo Clausura, Boca is 14th in Zone A, far from the qualification spots. Only a string of positive results and a strong playoff run could revive their hopes.

Boca’s results in 2025 (so far)

1–2 vs River
1–1 vs Tigre (advanced on penalties)
0–0 vs Lanús
0–1 vs Independiente
2–2 vs Benfica
1–2 vs Bayern Munich
1–1 vs Auckland City
0–0 vs Argentinos
1–1 vs Unión
1–2 vs Atlético Tucumán
0–1 vs Huracán

Next match: vs Racing (August 9 at La Bombonera)
In less than 15 days, Boca will face its toughest match yet. At home, they’ll need to draw strength from their fans. Instead of feeling the usual pressure many players do when wearing these colors, this will be a trial by fire with virtually no margin for error. And the opponent is no pushover: Racing Club, coached by Gustavo Costas, is the current Sudamericana champion and recently defeated Botafogo in the Recopa Sudamericana. Among all Argentine teams, Racing is in the best current form internationally.