Boca sent crashing back to Sudamericana
Boca Juniors suffered a painful setback at La Bombonera, falling 1-0 to Universidad Catolica on the final matchday of the Copa Libertadores group stage and crashing out of South America's premier club competition
Needing a victory to keep its Round of 16 hopes alive, the Argentine side failed to find a breakthrough and will now have to settle for a Sudamericana playoff spot.
The defining moment arrived in the 33rd minute.
Universidad Catolica launched a quick counterattack that found Clemente Montes in space. The forward cut inside and unleashed a powerful strike that hit the post before finding the back of the net, leaving goalkeeper Leandro Brey with no chance.
The goal silenced La Bombonera and put Boca's Libertadores hopes in serious danger.
Boca tried to react through Exequiel Zeballos and youngster Tomás Aranda, but struggled to break down a disciplined Universidad Católica defense.
In the second half, the introduction of Ángel Romero added urgency to the attack. Boca created several chances and even found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
The host also came close through Alan Velasco, but Jhojan Valencia produced a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve the visitor's advantage.
Daniel Garnero's side managed the match expertly and secured a victory that confirmed first place in Group D with 13 points.
Cruzeiro advanced as runner-up with 11 points, while Boca finished third on 7 points and will now enter the Copa Sudamericana playoff round.
For Boca, the defeat ends it Libertadores campaign and leaves it searching for redemption in the Sudamericana during the second half of the season.
