Boca Juniors drew 0-0 with Platense in the fifth matchday of the 2026 Torneo Apertura, played at La Bombonera. Fans whistled at the team and coach Claudio Úbeda due to the poor performance, while players like Leandro Paredes and Santiago Ascacíbar ended with discomforts. The result places Boca seventh with seven points and Platense fifth with eight.
The match between Boca Juniors and Platense, for matchday 5 of Zone A in the 2026 Torneo Apertura, ended 0-0 at La Bombonera stadium. Boca, coached by Claudio Úbeda, failed to break the deadlock despite chances like a header from Lucas Janson in the first half, saved by goalkeeper Matías Borgogno. Platense, led by Walter Zunino, was solid in defense and created danger with a shot from Juan Ignacio Saborido that hit the post at the 11th minute of the first half.
The game featured two controversies over possible handballs in the box: Platense claimed a penalty for contact on Juan Barinaga's elbow, but VAR ruled it did not increase the arm's volume. Boca also requested a similar review, to no avail. In the second half, Edinson Cavani substituted for Miguel Merentiel at the 20th minute and had a clear chance ruled out for offside. Leandro Paredes was replaced at the 38th minute due to ankle discomfort, and Santiago Ascacíbar also finished with pains.
After the final whistle, Boca fans booed the players and Úbeda for the poor performance, marking the Xeneize's second game without a win or goals. A camera captured Cavani gesturing toward the stands in response to the whistles. In the post-match press conference, Úbeda stated: “No me gusta nada empatar en casa. Tuvimos chances para ganarlo pero no las pudimos concretar. Creo que no sufrimos defensivamente en relación a las posibilidades de Platense. No tengo mucho más análisis que ese”.
Boca came off a 2-1 loss to Vélez Sarsfield and maintains a perfect record at home in the tournament, but this draw raises doubts. Next, Boca will host Racing on February 20 at 8:00 PM. Platense, winless at La Bombonera since returning to Primera, will host Barracas Central on February 21 at 5:00 PM.
Lineups: Boca - Agustín Marchesín; Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Leandro Paredes, Santiago Ascacíbar, Williams Alarcón; Ángel Romero, Miguel Merentiel, Lucas Janson. Coach: Claudio Úbeda. Platense - Matías Borgogno; Juan Ignacio Saborido, Ignacio Vázquez, Eugenio Raggio, Tomás Silva; Felipe Bussio, Leonardo Heredia, Maximiliano Amarfil; Juan Gauto, Franco Zapiola, Guido Mainero. Coach: Walter Zunino.
Referees: Sebastián Zunino; assistants Pablo Gualtieri and Maximiliano Castelli; fourth Nelson Sosa; VAR Jorge Baliño.
