Xeneize delivered a clearer view of their performance, showing progress from previous showings. Although the improved display did not yield a victory in the 90 minutes, the team found relief and momentum in the later stages, clinching the win on penalties.
For Boca Juniors, penalties became a recurring theme in 2023, followed by celebrations after a stretch of tense contests. Similar to their experiences with Nacional, Racing, and Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores, and with Almagro in the Argentine Cup, the side endured a demanding duel against Talleres and advanced to the semi finals after twelve demanding steps in a hard-fought match.
Across the 90 minutes, Boca looked more cohesive than in earlier fixtures. They controlled large portions of play and were finally tested by Talleres’ first clean sheet, a moment that arrived after a defensive lapse that benefited Benavídez. Cavani had opportunities that felt like a breakthrough moment; the finishing touch, however, eluded him in a one-on-one, and a second chance was halted when Suárez intervened with a hand in the box, an act not sanctioned as a foul at the time.
What referee Echenique could not avoid was the late stoppage for a clear foul on the Uruguayan star in the second half, a foul that led to a goal for Talleres and kept the scoreline balanced. Even after the equalizer, Boca did not lose intensity, maintaining pressure and organization. Yet the Cordoba side, led by a standout goalkeeper, Herrera, held firm and prevented a decisive breakthrough that would tilt the match in Boca’s favor.
During the penalty shootout, the presence of Chiquito Romero was not required to seal the result, but his psychological impact lingered as Nahuel Bustos and Gastón Benavídez misfired, sending their attempts into the stands. Boca converted their kicks with precision, and the team progressed with a four-to-four tie before deciding the outcome in the shootout and moving on to the next phase.
Goal brings you a comprehensive view of Mendoza’s Malvinas Argentinas as the backdrop for this clash, capturing the intensity of the encounter and the drama of the shootout that ultimately defined the path forward for Boca in the 2023 Argentine Cup.