Xeneize endured one of the roughest nights of the season, failing to gain a foothold in Sarandí and passing up a major chance to push their campaign forward.
The long streak Boca had carried after the Superclásico defeat had created a brief fantasy among supporters, who, while distant from the title fight, hoped for a dramatic late surge. Yet those hopes were crushed on a night at the Viaduct, arguably one of 2023’s most disappointing performances.
As Jorge Almirón had previously guided Boca to three straight league wins, he now faced criticism for a decision that seemed inexplicable: deploying a double forward line without the presence of Equi Fernández, who had formed a well‑oiled attacking trident with Medina and Varela. The setup limited risk and offered little pace, and it was clear that Arsenal’s goalkeeper Alejandro Medina would not be tested much beyond a late first-half attempt by Merendiel. Federico Vilar’s side, despite openings and urgency for a mid‑season standard, played a pragmatic game: absorb, then pounce when the moment appeared. And when the visitors were granted a set piece, Pombo found the target and nudged Arsenal ahead.
The night stiffened further as Rey Hilfer dismissed Weigandt with a harsh decision, and with Advíncula stationed deeper, Boca’s offensive tempo sagged. Substitutions followed in a measured fashion, with Fermández offering a glimmer of novelty, but the needed spark remained elusive. A couple of Villa free-kicks caused hesitation in the Viaduct’s defense, yet the home side clung to the result that kept their dream alive for a while longer, much as they had done against River earlier in the season. The arithmetic felt grim for Boca, who had to reassess their approach if they wanted to salvage anything from the campaign and restore a sense of identity that had wavered in Sarandí.
Looking ahead, Boca’s primary objective remains the Copa Libertadores. The plan is to finish top of the group and return to their roots, to forge the kind of resilience and confidence that can anchor a title push across the league and continental competition.
The Binance Professional League Tournament 2023 schedule, fixtures, dates, and results form a backdrop to the season, with each match offering a test of character and depth. In this encounter, the focus shifted to how Boca will respond in the next round of fixtures and whether the squad can translate a competitive edge into sustained results.
The action continued as GOAL provided ongoing coverage and analysis from the stadium, offering fans a detailed view of the tactical chess played out on the night.
ARSENAL – BOCA JUNIORS, MINUTE BY MINUTE
- The match unfolded with both sides trading moments as the tempo swung from cautious to urgent. Weigandt received a red card after a clash that left Boca with ten men following a VAR review.
MOUTH STAYS WITH ONE LESS
Marcelo Weigandt raised his leg and struck Joaquín Pombo in the face. Leandro Rey Hilfer sent him off after the VAR check. #LPFxTNTSports
— TNT Sport Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) June 2, 2023
— TNT Sport Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) June 2, 2023
- Arsenal found a moment of surprise through their set play and Pombo’s duel with Romero, testing Boca’s resolve.
- The away side pushed for a second, while the hosts looked to capitalise on quick transitions, trying to extend their lead as the clock wore on.
- Boca’s forward line, with Benedetto joining Merendiél in a double forward arrangement, sought opportunities to break through the defense and create chances out of nothing.
- As the clock wound down, the broadcast team welcomed viewers to another GOAL presentation, noting that Arsenal would host Boca Juniors in the 19th round of the Binance 2023 tournament at the Julio Humberto Grondona stadium.
THE TARGET EXAMPLE
HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING
The match between Arsenal and Boca Juniors will be broadcast in Argentina by TNT Sports, a signal available to those who carry the football package with their cable providers.
TNT SPORTS
FORMATIONS
ARSENAL
Alejandro Medina; Nestor Breitenbruch, Maximiliano Centurion, Joaquín Pombo, Adrián Sporle; Felipe Pena Biafore, Gonzalo Muscia; Lucas Souto, Santiago Toloza, Facundo Pons; Flabian Londono Bedoya. DT: Federico Vilar.
BOCA JUNIORS
Sergio Romero; Marcelo Weigandt, Bruno Valdez, Nicolas Figal, Frank Fabra; Luis Advincula, Cristian Medina, Alan Varela, Sebastian Villa; Miguel Merentiel, Darío Benedetto. DT: Jorge Almirón.