Boca Juniors suffered a painful setback at La Bombonera, falling 1-0 to Universidad Católica 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 their Round of 16 hopes alive, the Argentine side failed to find a breakthrough and will now have to settle for a Sudamericana playoff spot.

Clemente Montes delivers the decisive blow

The defining moment arrived in the 33rd minute.

Universidad Católica 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 pushed forward but could not respond

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 hosts also came close through Alan Velasco, but Jhojan Valencia produced a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve the visitors' advantage.

Universidad Católica advance as Boca drop into Sudamericana

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 runners-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 their Libertadores campaign and leaves them searching for redemption in the Sudamericana during the second half of the season.

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