A potential Superclásico semi final was already being discussed and after Boca Juniors’ defeat to River Plate in the league on Sunday, the chance for revenge was supposedly within touching distance thanks to a kind Copa Argentina draw. Gimnasia however had other plans and a last minute winner in Córdoba poured further misery on Boca after what has been a tough week.
If Guillermo Barros Schelotto was hoping for a reaction after a dreary derby defeat to River, the under pressure coach didn’t get one in the Estadio Mario Kempes.
Another flat display was immediately worsened by the sight of Darío Benedetto coming off injured after only ten minutes but with the attacking riches still available, Boca supporters have every right to expect more.
Gimnasia had arguably the best moment during the first half when only a last ditch foul by Carlos Izquierdoz prevented Mauro Guevgeozián from getting in behind. Fortunately for Boca, the initial contact was inches outside the box and referee Pablo Echavarría opted to only brandish a yellow card.
Even after the break there was little response from Boca and when Julio Buffarini curled a shot just wide in the last few minutes, it looked certain that penalties would decide the tie.
However, in the 90th minute Boca’s defence were caught out of the position. A ball in behind exposed Sebastián Villa in the right-back position and the low cross was bundled in by 18-year-old Jan Carlos Hurtado.
Gimnasia now face Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero after their victory over Brown de Adrogué on Wednesday while Boca must immediately turn attention to the Copa Libertadores. Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s side travel to Belo Horizonte to face Cruzeiro with a two-goal lead but at present look a mile off potential winners.
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