Boca Juniors earned a 2-1 win over Unión in the Alberto J. Armando, securing three points on a mid-September night that capped the ninth round of the 2023 LPF Cup. The triumph marked a return to victory for the Xeneizes after a stretch without a win, with the home side delivering a composed performance in front of a vocal crowd at La Bombonera. In Zone B of the 2023 Professional League Cup, Boca progressed with goals from Marcos Rojo and Miguel Merentiel, while Unión pulled one back through a well-timed strike from Mauro Luna Diale late in the first half.
Boca’s comeback began early when Jorge Almirón’s squad opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Aerial pressure from the hosts set the stage as Valentín Barco whipped in a dangerous cross that found the head of Edinson Cavani. The ball remained alive in the box, and Rojo pounced to finish, though the celebration was tempered by the captain’s adductor injury that forced him off at half-time.
The match took a tense turn shortly after as Franco Calderón was shown a red card for a rough challenge on Cavani, briefly changing the game’s dynamic. Unión seized the moment and equalized before the break when Luna Diale struck from distance to beat the keeper. The half ended with both teams feeling the shift in momentum.
After the break, Boca sharpened their suffocating pressure and dominated much of the play. The decisive moment arrived late in the game when Merentiel rose to meet a cross and guided the ball into the net, restoring Boca’s lead and sealing the final score at 2-1. Merentiel stood out as a constant threat, reaffirming his role as a key attacking figure for the team.
With two weeks remaining before the Copa Libertadores final against Fluminense, this victory provided a timely boost for Boca. The performance demonstrated the squad’s intent to control games, exploit chances, and respond to adversity with a measured, effective approach.
The minute by minute of Boca Juniors vs. Union League Cup 2023
The live and direct online summary of Boca Juniors vs. League Cup Union 2023: videos, formations, goals and controversies
MOUTH TARGET! Miguel Merentiel, the standout performer of the night, sealed his influence with a memorable goal.
Purpose of the Union! Tatengue surprised with the equalizer, despite playing with ten men, thanks to Luna Diale.
Red for Union! Franco Calderón was sent off for a hard tackle on Cavani.
Another save from Chiquito.
Double save from Sergio Romero!
MOUTH TARGET! Marcos Rojo collected the rebound after Cavani’s header and found the back of the net.
This is how Jorge Almirón’s team can respond when needed.
The Tatengue XI.
Cited from Goal