The late strike by Pipa in Santiago del Estero carried little significance for Boca in the grand scheme of the match, yet it carried immense personal weight for the forward. The goal stood out as a moment of personal vindication, a small beacon in a game that otherwise felt routine.
Boca’s supporters have long hoped to recapture the sharp, fearless form that once defined Benedetto. He even obliged a somewhat unconventional request from the fanbase: shave his head to mirror the image of his prime. The decision came with a quiet confidence, and he appeared in the second half with a noticeably shorter mane. In the 2023 Professional League Cup clash against Central Córdoba, Benedetto stepped onto the field after the break and left with the match’s final score of 3-0 in Boca’s favor.
SEE THE SUMMARY OF BOCA VS CENTRAL CÓRDOBA HERE
Pipa’s goal to excite the Xeneizes fans
In the 47th minute of the second half, as four sets of plays unfolded, Benedetto met a cross from Norberto Briasco with a precise header. A Central Córdoba defender swept the ball away from the goal line, leaving observers momentarily surprised by the sequence. Yet the officials quickly allowed the play to stand, and the moment became the turning point that sealed the result for Boca.
What followed was a collective breath of relief and a renewed sense of belief among Boca supporters. The goal did more than extend a lead; it confirmed Benedetto’s ability to influence important moments on the big stage, reinforcing the perception that his best days can still shine through when the team needs them most.
The match, marked by its strategic intensity and the crowd’s alternating roars, underscored Benedetto’s enduring value as a clinical finisher who thrives in high-pressure environments. His contribution in Santiago del Estero offered a reminder that, when fit and focused, he remains a credible option at the top of Boca’s attack, capable of sparking momentum at crucial junctures.
His return to form was celebrated not as a single act but as a signal to teammates, coaches, and supporters that the squad possesses the depth and resilience required to compete at a high level across the season. The 3-0 result reflected more than a scoreline; it captured a moment of renewed confidence for a squad chasing consistency and silverware across domestic competitions.
In retrospect, Benedetto’s display that day illustrated how a player’s influence can extend beyond statistics. It was about presence, timing, and the humility to adapt—an approach that resonates with the club’s culture of perseverance and ambition.