Boca Juniors faced a tough night in the south as they fell 1-0 to Banfield, a result that reflected a good first half from the home team but left the visitors frustrated at the final whistle.
The side known as Xeneize has shown ups and downs all season, and this trip to Florencio Sola added another chapter. Banfield initiated proceedings with intensity and managed a first half that suggested they could push further, while Boca struggled to claim control despite a late equalizer scare. The opening exchanges were steady rather than spectacular, with Banfield pressing higher and Boca finding it hard to capitalize on the ball, leaving the scoreboard still on zero for a stretch that amplified the home crowd’s optimism.
The lone goal came in the 28th minute when Aaron Quirós rose to meet a cross and directed a precise header past the keeper. It was a moment that underscored Banfield’s decisive approach in the air and their willingness to gamble in the box. Boca’s response did not arrive with the same urgency, and the Drill continued to monopolize the momentum in the early stages, creating chances that kept the visitors on the back foot.
In the remainder of the first half, Sergio Romero produced a sharp save on a rising attempt from Banfield, preserving the lead and reminding spectators that a single moment can swing the balance. As the teams retreated to the tunnel, the sense was that Banfield had taken a critical psychological edge—an impression that would shape what followed after the break.
After halftime, Boca tried to shift gears and invest in a more aggressive shape. The changes brought about a lift in tempo and a renewed focus on ball circulation, but precision remained a problem. Equi Fernández and Christian Medina entered the fray, injecting pace and urgency that briefly threatened to alter the trajectory of the match. Yet as the clock ticked on, the xeneize found it difficult to convert pressure into tangible scoring opportunities. On more than one occasion, Luca Langoni’s contributions drew applause but failed to find the back of the net, leaving a lingering sense that a sharper partner for Langoni could unlock more consistency in the attack.
Defensively, the visitors conceded a few aerial challenges that translated into moments of anxiety, though there were flashes of organization under pressure. One recurring theme was the experimentation with a two-forward look that included Sebastián Villa alongside Langoni. While this pairing offered bursts of energy, the tactical balance necessary for sustained domination was not fully realized on this night, and the gap between defense and attack remained more pronounced than ideal.
With Banfield’s lead intact, Boca pressed in waves but found the finishing touch missing. The match evolved into a test of nerves, with the home side defending solidly and forcing Boca to search for clever answers in congested spaces. The final whistle confirmed a compact, well-executed display from Banfield—one that earned them three points and left Boca to ponder adjustments ahead of the next fixture. In the broader context of the Binance Professional League, the result left Boca with a position that required them to chase the pace set by the league leaders, while Banfield climbed the table by capitalizing on home advantage.
Looking ahead, the schedule places Boca back at their home ground, La Bombonera, for a date with Instituto. The team will hope to translate the lessons from this encounter into a more cohesive attack and a sharper finishing touch. The campaign continues with a mix of tests and opportunities, and the ability to balance resilience with creativity will be key if the xeneize aim to climb higher in the standings and recapture momentum after a stretch without a win or goals.
In the broader narrative of the Binance Professional League Tournament 2023, this match added another layer to a season defined by fluctuating form, with both teams looking to establish consistency as the calendar moves forward. The tactical chess played on the Florencio Sola pitch showcased the fine margins that separate a win from a draw or a setback, and it underscored the ongoing conversation about squad balance, player partnerships, and the patience required to convert potential into results. The analysts will likely point to the need for a more clinical forward pairing and a midseason tweak in midfield shape to sustain pressure on opponents and create clearer pathways to goal.
Overall, Banfield’s disciplined performance earned the three points, while Boca must regroup and return to training with a focus on sharpening finishing and maintaining defensive solidity. The reality of football is that momentum can hinge on small, decisive moments, and the next match will be crucial in determining whether Boca can reset and advance with renewed purpose. The journey continues as the Binance League provides a platform for growth, ambition, and the pursuit of success in a competitive environment. [Goal]
BANFIELD – BOCA JUNIORS MINUTE BY MINUTE
- The minute after minute between the Drill and the Xeneize.
- BANFIELD TARGET!
- ROMERO SHORT!
- Penalty kick for Banfield!
- Good afternoon and welcome to another broadcast. Banfield will face Boca Juniors on date 7 of the Binance 2023 tournament at Florencio Sola stadium.
THE TARGET EXAMPLE
HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING
The encounter between the Drill and the Xeneize is broadcast in Argentina by TNT Sports signal available only to those who have contracted the football package with their cable television companies.
TNT SPORTS
FORMATIONS
BANFIELD
Facundo Cambeses; Emanuel Coronel, Alejandro Maciel, Aaron Quirós, Emanuel Insúa; Brahian Alemàn, Eric Remedi, Alejandro Cabrera, Juan Bizans; Andrés Chavez and Milton Giménez. DT: Javier Sanguinetti.
BANFIELD JUNIORS
Sergio Romero; Luis Advíncula, Bruno Valdez, Jorge Figal, Frank Fabra; Pol Fernandez, Alan Varela, Oscar Romero; Sebastián Villa, Luca Langoni and Dario Benedetto. DT: Hugo Ibarra.
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