Boca Juniors vs Cruzeiro
Estadio Alberto J. Armando
J. Valenzuela
2026
Match Report
Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro drew 1-1 at La Bombonera on Matchday 5 of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, a drama-packed night featuring a red card, a disallowed goal, and VAR controversy that left both sides frustrated.
Miguel Merentiel opened the scoring in the 15th minute, deflecting a cross to put the hosts ahead, with Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otávio pulling off several fine saves to keep it close. The visitors levelled just after the break through Fagner (53'), a goal that survived a VAR review for handball. Gerson was then sent off in the 68th minute — his yellow card upgraded to red by VAR — for a foul on Leandro Paredes. A late Merentiel effort was chalked off for a handball by Milton Delgado in the buildup.
Boca now need a home win over Universidad Católica on May 28 to reach the knockout stage. Cruzeiro, despite finishing with ten men, remain in contention and close out their group stage against Barcelona SC on the same night.
Match Events
15'
47'
Fagner(Roughing)
68'
Gerson(Tripping)
72'
73'
75'
81'
83'
E. Zeballos(Tripping)
85'
89'
Miguel Merentiel(Goal Disallowed - Foul)
90+7'
N. Villarreal(Delay of game)
15'
47'
Fagner(Roughing)
68'
Gerson(Tripping)
73'
75'
81'
(Tripping)E. Zeballos
83'
(Goal Disallowed - Foul)Miguel Merentiel
89'
90+7'
N. Villarreal(Delay of game)
Statistics
54%Possession46%
28Shots7
10Shots on Target3
12Corners1
14Fouls15
2Offsides0
2Yellow Cards2
0Red Cards1
386Passes348
2Saves9
Head to Head
4
Boca Juniors wins
2
Draws
2
Cruzeiro wins
Goals: 10 - 8

