- Home >
- Soccer >
- CONMEBOL Libertadores >
- Boca Juniors Lose Their Unbeaten Run Against Cruzeiro in a Match Marked by Controversy in the Copa Libertadores
Boca Juniors Lose Their Unbeaten Run Against Cruzeiro in a Match Marked by Controversy in the Copa Libertadores
Boca Juniors lost their unbeaten run against Cruzeiro in a tense match filled with controversy, physical battles and a late goal that reshaped the Copa Libertadores Group D.
Boca lose their unbeaten run in a night that changed everything
The 1-0 defeat of Boca Juniors against Cruzeiro at the Mineirão was more than just a result: it was an emotional and tactical blow that reshaped their path in the Copa Libertadores 2026. Claudio Úbeda’s side arrived as strong group leaders but ended up trapped in a physical, tense and uncomfortable battle.
The unbeaten streak ended under the worst conditions: away from home, in a hostile environment and against a team that understood how to play with intensity. Cruzeiro didn’t need full control, they simply resisted, pressed and waited for the perfect moment to strike.
Despite the loss, Boca remain top of Group D.
The red card that sparked controversy
Everything changed within minutes. The red card shown to Adam Bareiro just before halftime became the turning point that reshaped the entire match.
The second yellow, coming from a disputed action, left Boca with ten men for the entire second half. The refereeing decision sparked controversy, not only for its strictness but for the context: a heated game, full of contact and inconsistent officiating.
From that moment on, Boca were forced into survival mode. Their game plan collapsed, and the physical toll began to show. Meanwhile, Cruzeiro grew stronger, fueled by their crowd and the numerical advantage.
Cruzeiro smelled blood and made it count
With an extra man, Cruzeiro took emotional control of the match. It wasn’t an immediate storm, but a constant pressure that slowly wore Boca down.
Chances started to come more frequently, and although Leandro Brey responded on several occasions, the goal felt inevitable. Then came the decisive moment: Matheus Pereira delivered a precise through ball, Kaio Jorge provided the assist, and Neiser Villarreal tapped it into the net.
The 1-0 didn’t just break the deadlock, it broke Boca’s resistance. They held on for as long as they could, but eventually gave in to a team that knew how to capitalize on the moment.
A heated ending with lasting consequences
The final whistle did not bring calm. The match ended with tension between both squads, a reflection of a game played on the edge from start to finish.
Beyond the result, the bigger picture is clear: Cruzeiro caught up with Boca on points, and Group D is now far more competitive than expected. Goal difference keeps the Argentine side on top, but the margin for error has narrowed.
