At home, Boca Juniors lost 1-0 against Newell’s Old Boys, in their debut in the Transition Tournament.
After elimination of the Argentinian Cup, Boca disappointed everyone again. The team had the bulk of the possession, but they didn’t know what to do with the ball. Furthermore, they paid dearly for the mistakes in defense and added another defeat to their record.
In the first half, Newell’s created three clear chances to score and the third time was the charm: firstly, Maxi Rodríguez’s longshot was near the goal; later, Hernán Grana saved the ball on the line; finally, the great execution of Mauricio Tévez ended into Agustín Orion’s net.
As in the last game, Federico Carrizo was the best of the “Xeneize”. He tried to be the link between midfielders and forwards, though he was too lonely. He had an opportunity to score, but Newell’s goalkeeper covered his shot.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-At7VnhTr4[/youtube]
In the second half, supported by the cheering of their people, Boca went for the tie, with more enthusiasm than performance. The team suffered the absence of a playmaker and abused long passes nowhere. Another shot from distance, executed by José Fuenzalida, was needed to disturb the opponent. It was not enough to beat Oscar Ustari.
Newell’s opted to counterattack to extend the lead, but fortunately Maxi Rodríguez was not accurate in the definition.
Beyond the defeat, the concern is the passivity of some footballers and the lack of team identity. “I was satisfied with the team’s performance”, analyzed Carlos Bianchi, without self criticism.
Boca’s next match will be on August 17th at 9:30 p.m. (Argentina hour), against Belgrano in Córdoba.
Match record:
Boca Juniors: Agustín Orion; Hernán Grana, Daniel Díaz, Lisandro Magallán, Nahuel Zárate; Cristian Erbes (Andrés Chávez 66), Federico Bravo (Gonzalo Castellani 78), Fernando Gago, Federico Carrizo (José Fuenzalida 66); Juan Manuel Martínez, Emmanuel Gigliotti. Coach: Carlos Bianchi.
Newell’s Old Boys: Oscar Ustari; Marcos Cáceres (Claudio Corvalán 38), Leandro Fernández, Víctor López, Cristian Díaz; Diego Mateo, Hernán Villalba, Lucas Bernardi; Maximiliano Rodríguez, Mauricio Tévez (Víctor Figueroa 71), Ignacio Scocco (Horacio Orzán 86). Coach: Gustavo Raggio.
Goal: 45+3’ Mauricio Tévez (N).
Yellow cards: 27’ Mauricio Tévez (N), 72’ Cristian Díaz (N), 80’ Ignacio Scocco (N), 90+3’ Diego Mateo (N).
Referee: Federico Beligoy.
Stadium: The Bombonera (Boca’s stadium).
