Boca gift Central Córdoba a draw, Copa hopes take a hit | OneFootball

At La Bombonera, in the ninth round of Group A of the 2025 Clausura Tournament, Boca drew 2-2 against Central Córdoba and complicated its position in the race for next year’s Copa Libertadores.

The Xeneize played an impeccable first half, though with few clear chances. They controlled the ball with Leandro Paredes orchestrating the play and created countless situations that never truly threatened Alan Aguerre’s goal.

It was only from a set piece, after a lapse in the Ferroviario defense, that Rodrigo Battaglia found space to open the scoring. Up to that point, it seemed logical to expect the team to deliver a goal-filled night for their fans, but no one anticipated the complete lack of reaction from Miguel Ángel Russo’s side.

After halftime and with no changes, it was a performance worthy of a tribute to The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. After a first half as the protagonist, in the second Boca became the team that so often frustrated its fans. They failed to capitalize on possession, gave up control of the match, and left Paredes alone—perhaps the only one who tried to play a forward pass.

They found the 2-0 at a strange moment, when it actually seemed closer to a tie. Miguel Merentiel took advantage of a rebound from a Lautaro Blanco cross that Milton Giménez couldn’t capitalize on, and scored Boca’s second of the night. But minutes later, a bizarre reaction from the defense and Agustín Marchesín’s lack of intent to cover the goal resulted in Central Córdoba pulling one back.

From there, the visitors took the initiative and seized control of the match. For Russo, this could be fixed with a single substitution: Alan Velasco in for the only attacking player who hadn’t done enough to be subbed off, Brian Aguirre. The coach got it wrong—or perhaps the substitutes’ performances are so poor that they can’t surpass questionable displays like those of the two forwards and a playmaker like Carlos Palacios, who lacks both awareness and playmaking ability.

Boca let two crucial points slip away. Central Córdoba, with little, managed to tie and complicated Boca’s place in the standings. Photo: Gerónimo Marino.

That’s why, basically, Boca drew the match themselves. They had no ideas from the bench or on the pitch. Ivan Gómez unleashed a rocket that the Xeneize goalkeeper never reached, tying the game for Central Córdoba, who could have even won it. As a result, Boca’s qualification for next year’s Copa Libertadores is now in jeopardy.

Boca drew against Central Córdoba—here’s how the Libertadores qualification stands for next year

Given this scenario, Xeneize is now level with Rosario Central and two points behind River, the leader. With a win, they would have caught up with the Millonario, whom they will face in a few rounds at La Bombonera. They let two crucial points slip away and now have just a three-point lead over Argentinos Juniors and four over Deportivo Riestra. They’re still some way ahead of Barracas Central, who are six points behind.

It’s worth noting that Xeneize only has two chances to qualify for next year’s Copa Libertadores. They must either win the 2025 Clausura Tournament or qualify through their position in the annual table. It could work in their favor if River wins the 2025 Copa Argentina and frees up a spot, or if their lifelong rival wins the current edition of the continent’s most important tournament.

Read also:

Trial with changes: Boca’s possible lineup vs Central Córdoba

Practicing his presentation as Boca’s new signing: the world star who posed with the jersey

Will Palacios be dropped?: Russo prepares changes in Boca to host Central Córdoba

Agustín Marchesín set to return to Boca’s starting lineup

Mario Pergolini questioned Russo’s tactics in Rosario

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