Boca beat Vélez on penalties to reach Copa Argentina quarter-finals | OneFootball

Boca edged past Vélez on penalties in Córdoba to reach the Copa Argentina quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw, with Álvaro Montero the hero in the shootout.

According to LaNumer12.com.ar, the Xeneize created several clear chances in normal time but could not finish the job.

Montero had little to do before the break, then in the final minute he brought down Simón Escobar in the box. Eric Godoy struck the penalty against the post, with the keeper diving the other way.

In the shootout Montero saved two efforts to seal progress. Lautaro Blanco, Kevin Zenón and Carlos Palacios converted, while Enner Valencia missed from the spot.

Santiago Ascacibar was tireless in midfield and Leandro Paredes dictated play with anticipations, switches and through balls. The captain later requested a change due to discomfort in his left hamstring.

Blanco offered width and combined with Sebastián Villa, then cut inside to tee up Tomás Belmonte, who spurned a clear chance. Alan Velasco improved after the interval, and Miguel Merentiel worked hard but lacked ruthlessness. Leonel Flores struggled after coming on, a short cross sparked the counter that led to the late penalty.

Coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena selected a mixed side, more starters than reserves, and saw his plan pay off. Boca began on the counter then took control of the contest, although the substitutions failed to add impetus.

Source: LaNumer12.com.ar

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”