Applause or boos? The «Boca world» gears up for Darío Benedetto's return | OneFootball

This Tuesday, starting at 9:00 p.m., Darío Benedetto will once again step onto the grass at La Bombonera, but this time wearing the colors of Barcelona de Guayaquil. The match, corresponding to the second round of Group D in the Copa Libertadores, will be marked by “Pipa’s” reunion with the club he loves, in an atmosphere still echoing with his controversial departure from the institution in July 2024.

A return with mixed feelings

In the hours leading up to the Copa clash, the striker did not hide his emotions about returning: “It’s a great opportunity to come back to the field where I was happy,” he admitted. He also cleared up any doubt about a possible celebration against his former team: “I’m a Boca fan, crazy about Boca, and I’ll keep being one for the rest of my life; I wouldn’t celebrate a goal.”

However, the forward is aware that he stirs mixed opinions among the Xeneize supporters. After a final spell worn down by inconsistent performances, the memorable penalties against Corinthians in 2022, and various off-the-pitch disputes, Benedetto himself predicted a difficult atmosphere: “The reception is divided, we’ll see what happens,” he acknowledged.

The previous instance and the sporting urgency

Although it will be a special night, it will not be his first return as an opponent: in October 2025, he already visited the stadium wearing Newell’s shirt, receiving a mix of recognition and disapproval.

This time, the Copa Libertadores context adds extra pressure to both teams:

It will be a high-intensity night in which “Pipa” will try to deliver for his new team without forgetting his past, while the crowd at La Ribera will pass judgment on one of its last great icons.

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