With a 3 – 1 aggregate in their favor, and a rocking Bombanera to support them, Boca Juniors sought to do what they must to become Recopa Champions – an unprecedented fourth time. And for those who would think the team would play this one lightly, look no further than a Palacio strike in the 6th minute of the game to make you think otherwise. Sure, to that point, Arsenal were on the constant attack – but it just takes one moment of brilliance to quell those intentions.

In the absence of Martin Palermo (whom the team dedicated this Cup to), youngster Viatri filled in nicely, feeding a perfect cross to our rat-tailed forward. Viatri continued his threatening play with a tough shot that shook the post.

The 58th minute saw a mini defensive collapse, that forced Caranta far out of the net. Caught on his bad decision, Arsenal was able to whip it across the box to a wide open Sebastian Carrera for an easy strike to tie. A red card by accumulation sent Arsenals Christian Diaz to the showers. But shortly there after, Mauro Matos put Arsenal back on top in the 69th minute with a gorgeous header that beat Caranta short post, off of a beautiful corner cross.

Knowing they can’t possibly go out Champions by a loss, Boca revved up for one more shot at net. After some offensive pressure in extra time, Riquelme nets a classic set piece goal past Arsenals keeper Campestrini. The crowd goes crazy. The rest is history.

Boca has now achieved quite a modecum of respect with just one win. They have now pushed Argentina to 5 Recopa titles to Brazils 4, 18 International titles – tying Milans International record, and, of course, they have become the only South American team to obtain 4 Recopa titles.

JUGADOR DEL PARTIDO

Juan Roman Riquelme. As they say in FIFA 08, “He is the orchestrator of the midfield.” Riquelme was part of 95% of Boca’s best chances this game. And ever the showstopper, he nets the tying goal in extra time to put away Boca’s 18th international title.

“QUE ESTAS PENSANDO!” MOMENTO DEL PARTIDO

Caranta – que paso?! I know there was alot of confusion in the box, and the defense was enduring a couple of collapses, but why leave your line so far to your right, exposing the already exposed backline to any more threats? Bad decision making there. Thankfully, it didnt cost them anything.

“QUE BOLUDO!” JUGADOR DEL PARTIDO

El Boludo de este partido, sin duda, es Christian Diaz. If Arsenal was putting together any kind of unlikely run, Diaz squashed it. Sure, they managed a second goal, but what could Arsenal have done with an extra guy down the stretch? Imagine the commotion back in Argentina had Boca lost 3-1 instead of tying the game in the late minutes? Every Gallina reporter back home would be ripping them as paper champs. But thank you Diaz for making sure that speculation doesn’t become reality.

img credit: mediotiempo.com

Talk about extra incentive!

Whats different this time around? Well, a thinner line up, which will be relying on youngsters like Noir and/or Viatri to pick up the offensive slack (along with Palacio who looks like he wil be starting!) in the place of injured forward Martin Palermo. Thankfully, Riquelme is confirmed for the showdown, and will undoubtably give the youngins their fair share of through balls. Caranta and Datolo should also be seeing time. But judging from the recent defeat of Apertura Champions Lanus, the rest of the team would be able to withhold just fine against their Argie counterparts.

Arsenal would have to score three goals and hold Boca scoreless at the Bombanera to take the title. Yea, good luck.

This foregone conclusion will air on Fox Soccer Channel, Thursday at 7:30pm, on a tape delay. For those interested, I might do a running commentary of the match if I can find a live outlet (there is usually a bar or two in Queens New York playing live games).

Share your thoughts on the game – or just give us some good live streams instead!

img credit: infobae.com