Boca Juniors vs Argentinos Juniors: Xeneize Advance to Semifinals

Boca Juniors vs Argentinos Juniors: A Quarterfinal Filled with History and Drama

The iconic La Bombonera stadium hosted a high-stakes Torneo Clausura quarterfinal on November 30, 2025, as Boca Juniors faced Argentinos Juniors in a battle for a semifinal spot. In a match defined by early fireworks and tactical discipline, the Xeneize secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from defender Ayrton Costa, advancing to the next stage of the tournament.

Early Goal Sets the Tone

The match exploded into action just three minutes in. Argentinos Juniors launched an early attack, with Nicolás Oroz capitalizing on a loose ball in the penalty area. However, Agustín Marchesín made a crucial save to keep the score level. The reprieve proved pivotal, as Boca struck immediately. In the 4th minute, Miguel Merentiel's shot was parried by Argentinos keeper Gonzalo Siri, but Ayrton Costa pounced on the rebound to slot home the opening goal. This early strike proved decisive as neither team could find the net in the remaining minutes.

Tactical Battle and Team Formations

Boca coach Claudio Úbeda stuck with the lineup that defeated Talleres in the previous round, featuring a solid defensive quartet of Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, and Lautaro Blanco. In midfield, Leandro Paredes orchestrated play, supported by Carlos Palacios and Milton Delgado, while Exequiel Zeballos and Miguel Merentiel led the attack.

Argentinos, under Nicolás Diez, employed a possession-based approach. Their formation featured Hernán López Muñoz as the creative fulcrum, with Tomás Molina and Diego Porcel providing attacking thrust. The defensive line, anchored by Erik Godoy and Francisco Álvarez, weathered Boca's pressure but struggled to create clear-cut chances against the well-organized Xeneize defense.

The Maradona Connection

This matchup carried extra historical weight, as Argentinos Juniors is the club where Diego Maradona began his legendary career. His great-nephew, Hernán López Muñoz, emerged as the Bicho's key playmaker, embodying the club's emphasis on skillful ball movement. As Maradona once said, "La pelota no es para llorar, es para gozar" (The ball is not for crying, it's for enjoying), and his legacy lives on through this team's commitment to attractive football.

Goalkeeping Drama and Injury Concerns

Argentinos entered the match with a goalkeeper crisis. Starter Gonzalo Siri, who saved a penalty in their previous round win over Vélez, remained in goal but carried an injury concern. With backup Sergio Romero sidelined, the Bicho relied on their experienced keeper to keep the score respectable. Marchesín, meanwhile, was commanding for Boca, organizing his defense and commanding his area with authority.

What's Next for the Semifinals?

Boca's victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash, continuing their quest for the Torneo Clausura title. The Xeneize will look to build on their momentum, having won both playoff matches at La Bombonera. For Argentinos, the focus shifts to addressing their injury issues and refining their possession-based approach for future challenges.

"Es un equipo que está aceitado, hace mucho juega de la misma manera y le sale bien. Nosotros también venimos de buena forma y motivados, acá en casa nos vamos a hacer fuertes." - Juan Barinaga, Boca Juniors defender

As the Clausura tournament intensifies, this quarterfinal showcased the rich tapestry of Argentine football—from the passionate atmosphere of La Bombonera to the enduring legacy of Maradona at Argentinos. Boca Juniors now stands one step closer to adding another trophy to their illustrious history.