Boca Juniors Faces Uncertain Future After Libertadores Elimination

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Boca Juniors is grappling with the fallout from a surprising elimination in the Copa Libertadores after a penalty shootout loss to Alianza Lima earlier this week. The match at La Bombonera highlighted not just the team’s performance issues, but also raised questions about the future of head coach Fernando Gago.

Fans expressed their frustration during the formation announcements, booing Gago and veteran defender Marcos Rojo, while young talent Milton Delgado received enthusiastic applause. As the team readies for a crucial match against Rosario Central on February 28, 2025, the atmosphere remains tense.

The confirmed lineups show substantial changes for Boca Juniors. Agustín Marchesín will be in goal, with Lucas Blondel, Lautaro Di Lollo, Marcos Rojo, and Lautaro Blanco on defense. In midfield, Ander Herrera, Milton Delgado, Kevin Zenón, and Carlos Palacios support forwards Edinson Cavani and Milton Giménez. Four changes were made from their last outing: Blondel, Di Lollo, Blanco, and Giménez replaced Luis Advíncula, Rodrigo Battaglia, Marcelo Saracchi, and Miguel Merentiel following their Copa exit.

Alianza Lima’s victory not only knocked Boca out of contention but also impacts the club financially. The setback in the Libertadores, the premier tournament in South America, raises the stakes for Boca in domestic competitions as they aim to regain form in the ongoing Apertura tournament.

Marchesín, who came under scrutiny after his last match, exited during the critical moments against Alianza Lima. His substitution for Leandro Brey led to questions among fans, particularly regarding the decision-making process of Gago and his technical staff. “It was a situation we had discussed beforehand,” Gago stated about the substitution. “We believe in Brey’s ability for penalty shootouts.” However, the explanation has not quelled the discontent among fans.

Meanwhile, Fernando Gago’s tenure faces significant pressure as the team approaches the eighth date of the Apertura. His position will be further scrutinized in the upcoming fixture against Rosario Central, which could potentially mark the end of his coaching term at Boca after just 137 days in charge. This match could determine not only the direction of the season but also Gago’s future in the wake of mounting criticism amidst the ongoing management of Juan Román Riquelme.

Supporters have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, observing that the team’s performance hasn’t aligned with their historical reputation. Boca Juniors’ challenge now lies not only in reshaping their competitive edge but also in restoring fan confidence as they enter this pivotal period.