Boca Juniors edge Colo-Colo in Libertadores duel, building form for Superclásico

Boca Juniors secured a hard-won victory over Colo-Colo, a clash that pitted two storied clubs against each other as they navigated the Copa Libertadores. The Chilean side, once dominant, found itself on the back foot early, unable to pierce the discipline of Sergio Romero and ultimately succumbing despite a spirited fight. In a match driven by strategy as much as grit, Boca demonstrated patience and purpose, knowing they had to endure the early Colo-Colo onslaught to seize a decisive moment and claim a second straight win in the group stage.

The visitors surged from the opening whistle, and after only 25 seconds Romero needed to be at his best to deny Colo-Colo’s early pressure. The Chileans kept pressing, forcing Romero into several difficult saves in the first half. Yet Boca slowly found space on the flanks, with Villa and Advínula delivering pace down the wings while Vázquez injected relentless energy in the center. He struck the post with a well-aimed strike just before the Peruvian’s left-footed cross combined with a fortunate touch to the net, narrowly missing a breakthrough for Colo-Colo.

Even with the setback, Colo-Colo continued to push, testing Boca’s resolve as they sought a breakthrough. The hosts grew into the game as Valentín Barco, still only 18, mounted dangerous forays and contributed to Boca’s counter-attacking rhythm, helping to blunt the Chilean pressure as the first half progressed.

After the break, Colo-Colo returned with renewed intent, pressing Boca high up the pitch while contending with their own frustration. Vázquez thwarted a quick reaction from Falcón with pressure that allowed Villa to link up for Boca’s second, effectively tilting the balance in their favor and signaling what would become a defining moment of the match. The game sealed its course with Palacios receiving a red card for a misplaced kick, reducing Colo-Colo to ten men and leaving little room for a comeback.

For Boca, the victory reinforced a growing style under coach Jorge Almirón, showing a blend of compact defense and rapid transitions that has become a hallmark of their campaign. Colo-Colo, meanwhile, understands that its Group F ambitions now require a concerted effort to improve its performance, balance, and consistency in forthcoming fixtures.

The Copa Libertadores 2023 schedule continues with decisive group-stage action, and the upcoming matches will determine how both teams navigate the rest of the campaign. The match delivered a clear message: Boca is building a coherent game plan that translates into results, while Colo-Colo must refine its approach and sharpen its execution to rebound in the competition.

Colo-Colo versus Boca Juniors, minute by minute, reflected a tightly fought duel with moments of quality and tense defense. Early pressure, a late counter, and a red card all shaped the narrative, underscoring why Copa Libertadores games between historical rivals captivate fans across the Americas.

The live broadcast for this clash covered multiple regions. In Argentina and Chile, Fox Sports carried the game. In Colombia, the match aired through ESPN, and across the United States viewers could watch via the sports-focused network. In Latin America, streaming ran on Star+ for viewers in Mexico and other South American markets. This coverage map highlights the broad interest in this Libertadores fixture and demonstrates how fans in Canada and the United States can access key continental competition through familiar platforms and services.

Formations on the night reflected the tactical setups. Colo-Colo featured Ferdinand De Paul in goal, backed by defenders Maximiliano Falcón, Ramiro González Hernández and Daniel Gutiérrez, with Cesar Fuentes, Esteban Pavez, Leonardo Gil and Bruno Gutiérrez in midfield, and Carlos Palacios, Damian Pizarro, and Agustín Bouzat supporting the attack. Gustavo Quinteros acted as head coach. Boca Juniors lined up with Sergio Romero in goal, a back line of Marcelo Weigandt, Facundo Roncaglia, Nicolás Figal, Valentín Barco, and a midfield quartet of Luis Advínula, Alan Varela, Guillermo Fernández and Martin Payero, while Sebastian Villa and Luis Vázquez led the forward line under Jorge Almirón. These tactical choices set the stage for a dynamic, fast-paced Libertadores night.

Overall, the match reinforced that Boca Juniors is developing a distinct, effective approach under Almirón, while Colo-Colo recognizes the need to elevate its performance across both phases of the game as the group stage unfolds. The Libertadores landscape in 2023 remains competitive, demanding resilience, precision, and timely aggression from every side that steps onto the field.

COLO COLO – BOCA JUNIORS, MINUTE BY MINUTE

• The minute by minute narrative captured a tight game between the Cacique and the Xeneize.

• Disciplinary moment! A frantic challenge earned a red card for Barco’s moment of anger, tipping the balance in Boca’s favor.
• BOCA ON TARGET! Vázquez applied pressure on Falcón and released Villa for a second opportunity.
• BOCA ON TARGET! Advíncula cut in from the right and struck the post with his left foot.
• The formations were confirmed prior to kickoff.
• Good evening and welcome to another GOAL broadcast. Colo-Colo and Boca Juniors faced off in the 2023 Copa Libertadores group stage at the Monumental in Chile.

THE TARGET EXAMPLE

HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING

The match aired in Argentina and Chile on Fox Sports. In Colombia it was available via ESPN, while in the United States it could be watched on a sports network. Streaming options included Star+ for Mexico and other South American markets.

In the streaming realm, fans could follow the action across Mexico and South America on Star+.

FORMATIONS

colo-colo

Ferdinand De Paul; Maximiliano Falcón, Ramiro González Hernández, Daniel Gutiérrez; Cesar Fuentes, Esteban Pavez, Leonardo Gil, Bruno Gutierrez; Carlos Palacios, Damian Pizarro, Agustin Bouzat. DT: Gustavo Quinteros.

BOCA JUNIORS

Sergio Romero; Marcelo Weigandt, Facundo Roncaglia, Nicolás Figal, Valentín Barco; Luis Advínula, Alan Varela, Guillermo Fernández, Martin Payero; Sebastian Villa and Luis Vazquez. DT: Jorge Almirón.