The Xeneize faced a tough night as the Bug seized control and the Beast found the back of the net in the closing moments.
During 2023 Boca Juniors struggled to turn even tight matches into wins. They could lose when slightly ahead and also faltered when the performance fell short. The win in La Paternal against Argentinos Juniors brought real relief, a moment of clarity when the team could celebrate after 88 weary minutes were trimmed off the clock.
In the opening stages, Boca offered little, while Argentinos pressed with several promising moves that only needed better precision to finish. Chiquito Romero stood up to every threat, answering each call with calm authority. A bright early moment for Jorge Almirón came with the substitution of Gabriel Ávalos, a difficult opponent for Roncaglia who had given Argentina problems earlier in the season.
Though the pace dropped after halftime, Argentinos continued to push and wasted a clear opportunity when Herrera overran a chance near the goal line. It took until the 65th minute for Advíncula to test Martín Arias from distance, a save that kept the score level for a while longer.
As the match seemed destined for a draw, Briasco delivered a measured cross from the left and Advíncula, leaning into the ball, forced the ball across to Mrentiel who arrived to poke it home. The decisive moment energized Boca, who then climbed to 10th in the standings as the league table began to shift in subtle, important ways.
In the broader context of the Binance Professional League 2023 schedule, fans could sense the season’s momentum turning, with fixtures continuing to accumulate and results shaping the table through the late stages of the year. This match, viewed as a turning point by some, reminded supporters that consistency would matter come the tougher rounds ahead.
ARGENTINOS JRS – MOUTH, MINUTE BY MINUTE
- The minute by minute tale of a tight battle between the Bug and the Xeneize
- BOCA KEEPING SHAPE The game stayed scoreless until the end, Advíncula changing tempos and Merendiel’s late cries of relief
THE TARGET EXAMPLE
HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING
The clash between Argentinos and Boca is carried in Argentina by ESPN Premium, a package available through participating cable providers. The channel lineup and access depend on the subscriber’s plan with their provider. ESPN Premium
FORMATIONS
ARGENTINOS JRS
Alexis Martin Arias; Kevin Mac Allister, Marco Di Cesare, Lucas Villalba; Javier Cabrera, Alán Rodríguez, Franco Moyano, Francisco González Metilli, Santiago Montiel; Gaston Veron and Gabriel Ávalos. DT: Gabriel Milito
MOND JUNIORS
Sergio Romero; Marcelo Weigandt, Facundo Roncaglia, Nicolás Figal, Frank Fabra; Martin Payero, Pol Fernandez, Juan Ramirez; Luis Advínula, Dario Benedetto, Sebastian Villa. DT: Jorge Almirón