Boca Breathes in Penalties: Defeats Vélez and Advances to Copa Argentina Quarterfinals

A Night of Nerves in Córdoba

The Copa Argentina once again delivered a heart-stopping finish. At the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, Boca Juniors and Vélez Sarsfield faced off in a round-of-16 clash that was decided from the penalty spot. After a 0-0 draw in 90 minutes, the Xeneize prevailed 4-3 in the shootout, securing their place in the quarterfinals, where Racing Club awaits.

The match, played on September 2 and 3, 2026, saw a solid Boca side that lacked the finishing touch to break the deadlock. Vélez, for their part, had the clearest chance in stoppage time but squandered it in incredible fashion.

The Penalty That Could Have Changed Everything

With the clock showing minute 91, Vélez forward Dilan Godoy had qualification at his feet. However, his shot crashed against the right post of goalkeeper Álvaro Montero, unleashing a collective sigh of relief from the stands.

The curious part happened seconds earlier: his teammate Simón Escobar raised his arms and started running to embrace Godoy, as if celebrating an early goal. The gesture, captured by cameras, sparked controversy and became a hot topic on social media.

Penalty Shootout: Montero, Absolute Star

In the shootout, Boca showed their class and their famous mystique from the spot. Lautaro Blanco, Kevin Zenón, Leonel Flores, and Carlos Palacios all converted, while Enner Valencia missed his attempt.

For Vélez, Joaquín García, Simón Escobar, and Rodrigo Aliendro scored. But Elías Gómez and Thiago Silvero saw their efforts denied: both were saved by an inspired Montero.

A notable detail: before Gómez and Silvero took their kicks, referee Sebastián Zunino stopped them because laser pointers were being used from the stands to distract them. The situation added even more tension to an already electric night.

Reactions: Arruabarrena and Boca's Mystique

Boca's head coach, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, did not hide his satisfaction after the qualification. “There is a mystique about Boca in penalties, a bit of luck too,” said the coach, who also praised his goalkeeper and forward Alan Velasco.

Arruabarrena also addressed the fitness of Leandro Paredes, who was substituted at minute 85 due to discomfort. “It's not a serious injury, it was a warning. He came off as a precaution,” the coach clarified, bringing calm to the fans.

Meanwhile, Álvaro Montero surprised everyone with a confession: “I committed the penalty on purpose so I could save it,” said the goalkeeper, showing the confidence that defines him.

Boca, with Absences and a Demanding Schedule

The Xeneize arrived at this tie with key absences: Aranda and Delgado were unavailable. Additionally, the coaching staff expressed concern over the physical condition of Enner Valencia, who is carrying a knock.

With qualification secured, Boca is already looking ahead: Gimnasia (Mendoza), San Pablo in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals, Central Córdoba, and San Lorenzo.

The next challenge will be against Racing in the Copa Argentina quarterfinals, a classic that promises strong emotions. Boca has not won a title in three and a half years, and the dream of ending that drought is more alive than ever.