Felicidades, Boca!

[Muff 245]

Boca became the champion of the Apertura tournament and conquered its 23rd title during the era of Argentine professional soccer. In Avellaneda, and in spite of losing 1-0 to Tigre, it won the playoff competition because of the larger difference in goals scored along the triangular event and so Ischia’s team was able to celebrate the conquest of the local event after two years of drought.

In the stadium filled to its capacity of 32,000 people Ischia’s team went out to look for the first goal right after kickoff. Thanks to Dátolo’s good work on the left and Ibarra’s advances on the right the present champion started to create the best opportunities.

In the first period Gracián played at a good level, doing his best to stand in for Riquelme, who wasn’t on the field (just like Colombian Vargas) because of the sanction both had to sit out for having reached the maximum of five consecutive bookings.

Boca was the better team throughout the first 45’ and Figueroa or Gracián could have opened the score, but on both occasions they were frustrated by Tigre’s goalie Ardente, the stand-in for regular keeper Islas, who stopped the ball with assurance.

Cagna’s team only woke up near the end of the first half. Morel, the key player of the team from the north of the Greater Buenos Aires area, had the only chance of the initial period at his feet, but it was easily stopped by goalie García. The first half concluded without any problems for Boca.

All the drama was in store for the second period. Boca and Tigre fought evenly during this second part of the match. But at 22’ Boca suffered a heavy blow that shook up its team and put the title at risk.

Javier García came out to grab a cross, but did so with poor timing, so that he was a beaten to the ball by Lázzaro who was able to score the only goal of the game. Josué Ayala, another youngster from the lower divisions, made his debut by replacing García, who was injured during the mentioned maneuvre.

From then on it was all suffering for both teams. Boca began to feel the pressure and Tigre went forward trying to score another goal that would have given it its first title ever.

But Boca’s strength showed up as it usually does in such situations, and Morel Rodríguez and Cáceres put away everything that looked dangerous. Boca continued to attack as well, but neither Gracián nor Palacio could score the soothing goal. The relief was not to come. Actually, Palacio was sent off moments before the end on account of the general nervousness. The relief was to arrive only at 49’ when referee Sergio Pezzotta blew the whistle that put an end to the match. The ensuing outburst signalled that Boca had been crowned the champion and the joy donned the blue and gold colors.

Boca conquered a hard-fought title, after much adversity and effort. But, in spite of all the mishaps and bad luck, it recovered and attained the semester’s objective it had set for itself.

Even better when your bitter rivals finish last :clap:

[The Hammer 11 2,584]

got to admit i have a slight leaning towards boca for some reason dont know why though

[ManchestGer 347]

They get some atmosphere inside their stadium, everyone bouncing around hanging over the terraces. Must be something to go there for a game

[Jelle1880 225]

Fuck Boca