Boca’s nightmare with Cruzeiro in the Libertadores, and the ideal path | OneFootball

Boca will experience a tension-filled Copa Libertadores night at La Bombonera. With no room for error, Claudio Úbeda’s team can no longer afford another slip-up if it wants to keep dreaming of qualification for the round of 16. The clash against Cruzeiro has the feel of a decisive one: a win would leave them in a strong position and with renewed hope, but a loss could open the door to a catastrophic scenario — elimination with one match to spare.

Although no one at Brandsen 805 imagines that outcome, and optimism still prevails even though the situation has become more complicated than expected as the group stage has gone on, the truth is that the Xeneize could indeed be left without any mathematical chance before facing Universidad Católica.

What would have to happen for them to be eliminated this week? First, lose to Cruzeiro at La Bombonera. And, in addition, Universidad Católica would have to beat Barcelona. If that combination of results occurs between Tuesday and Thursday, Boca will automatically be left with no chance of advancing, since both the Chilean and Brazilian sides would move four points clear — both would reach 10 points against the Argentine team’s 6 — with only three left to play for.

On the other side of the equation, there is also a scenario that would leave the Xeneize in a very strong position heading into the final matchday. Unlike the negative scenario — which could indeed seal their elimination — Boca has no chance of securing qualification this week. However, they can still end up with one foot in the round of 16.

The most favorable scenario for Úbeda’s men would be to beat Cruzeiro by two goals or more. The goal difference in that victory becomes crucial in this case, because it removes the obligation of having to beat Universidad Católica afterward. In other words, if they defeat the Brazilians convincingly, a draw against the Chileans will be enough to reach the round of 16 without depending on other results.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.