Palmeiras vs Boca: 2-2 draw sets up SuperClásico Libertadores final
A 70th minute goal from Boca substitute Benedetto was enough to snuff out any hope Palmeiras had of staging a historic comeback in the Libertadores semi.
Palmeiras v Boca Juniors: Copa Libertadores 2018 - as it happened
Despite not having the late drama of last night's Gremio-River semi-final, there was a brief moment during the second half when Palmeiras fans had every right to feel their side were on the cusp of pulling off a major shock. Needing four goals after "Wanchope" Abila had put Boca level on the night, the men in green started the second period with a zest and purpose, lacking in the first 45 minutes.
Luan pulled Scolari's side level in the 53rd minute and just eight minutes later Gomez converted a spot kick after Izquierdoz had clumsily bundled over the busy Dudu. Boca were shell shocked and on the ropes as the "Verdão" pushed for a third.
“Los Xeneizes” who had been comfortable in the first half brought on Dario Benedetto to replace the tireless "Wanchope" and the Argentinian international was to make the difference on the night and indeed in the tie as his 70th minute shot was too accurate for Weverton.
The rest of the game was a formality with any hope of a comeback dying with the equaliser as Boca march on to the 2018 Copa Libertadores where they face city rivals River Plate in what is set to be a two legged affair of epic proportion.
Palmeiras v Boca Juniors: preview
After the high drama in Porto Alegre as Argentinean Superliga side River Plate became the first finalists of the 2018 Copa Libertadores with a 95th minute VAR awarded penalty, the focus moves to Brazil’s second city of Sao Paolo as current Serie A table toppers welcome Boca Juniors.
Two late goals give “Los Xeneizes” an obvious advantage but a packed Allianz Parque with a passionate home crowd will sense that an early goal for Scolari’s men could change the dynamic of the tie and see Palmeiras through to their first Libertadores final since 2000.
Boca Juniors boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto is banned from the dugout as was River boss Gallardo last night. For Boca veteran star, Carlos Tevez will likely be once again on the bench for “Los Xeneizes” but both the Boca coach and his Palmeiras counterpart Scolari have no major injury problems as a place in the 2018 Copa Libertadores final beckons.
