Applause or boos? ‘Mundo Boca’ braces for Darío Benedetto’s return | OneFootball

This Tuesday, starting at 9:00 p.m., Darío Benedetto will once again set foot on the pitch at La Bombonera, but this time wearing the colors of Barcelona de Guayaquil. The match, corresponding to the second round of Group D of the Copa Libertadores, will be marked by “Pipa’s” reunion with the club he loves most, in an atmosphere still echoing 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 coming back: “It’s a great opportunity to return 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 sparks mixed opinions among Boca supporters. After a final spell worn down by inconsistent performances, the memorable penalties against Corinthians in 2022, and various off-field clashes, Benedetto himself predicted a difficult atmosphere: “The reception is divided, we’ll see what happens,” he acknowledged.

The precedent and the sporting urgency

Although it will be a special night, it is not his first return as an opponent: in October 2025 he had already visited the stadium wearing the 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-voltage night in which “Pipa” will try to deliver for his new team without forgetting his past, while the crowd in 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.