If Pele and Diego Maradona were on the pitch anywhere near their prime minister, there is no doubt that Wednesday ‘s 0-0 match between their old clubs would be goalless.
In a game with very few chances, several chances were missed as players of both Boca Juniors from Argentina and Santos from Brazil snorted anxiously when a cooler head was called for.
– Vickery: Palmeiras takes advantage of River Plate in Copa Libertadores
It’s not easy to keep up with the weight of some of the many traditions, especially at a time as tight as the first leg of the Copa Libertadores copy. Next week’s return match in Brazil will be more dramatic and perhaps less cautious. Boca was tormented by the legacy of the first hosts of the legs; should they try to squeeze home advantage? Or maybe it would be wiser to make sure they didn’t concede a goal away?
Santos made it difficult for them. With all of his players available for selection, a rarity in this tournament, coach Santos Cuca went bold – at least on paper. He came off his usual 4-3-3 and picked up four attacking players – Marinho cuts on his strong left leg from right center, promising and multi-tasking forward Kaio Jorge, the rangy Lucas Braga on the sidelines left, and the cunning little Venezuelan Yefferson. Soteldo floats in a free post.
The team did not aim to lift much through the middle of the pitch. But they would have times to launch their attacks. And, crucially, they were defending by attacking. Because their defenders were dangerous Boca ‘s backup was much more likely to move forward. And with midfielder Jorman Campuzano injured, Boca did not speak through the center. Much of their threat came from solo explosions from Sebastian Villa, their strong player, who was unable to combine enough with Carlos Tevez. There was hardly a single clear chance in the entire first half.
The question after the interval was when, and to what extent, the coaches would choose to change the pattern. Ten minutes after half-time Santos took off Soteldo and brought in the dynamic young Sandry, returning to their usual 4-3-3 practice. Boca’s Miguel Angel Russo responded with an immediate – and depressing – turn of his own. Midfielder Diego Gonzalez left. Edwin Cardona, a Colombian player, arrived.
On paper this looked like an aggressive move, even a desperate one. In practice, he left Boca short through the middle against a team that had just secured the middle of their pitch. It was here that Santos almost won the game. Marinho may have been unfortunate that he was not penalized when he was handed over by center back Carlos Izquerdoz. But on the other hand, just a few minutes earlier Marinho could have been sent off – and he was extremely lucky to escape with any sanctions – for ugly over the ball jacket.
Coach Boca Russo quickly tightened his midfield. That was the logical choice. Boca won on their last trip to Brazil, a month ago against a powerful Internacional team. They have only conceded three goals in 11 games, and now the away goals rule can only work in their favor. After Santos Kaio pulled Jorge back and moved Marinho in, Boca gave back Frank Fabra more freedom to push forward. In the final attack of the match he and Villa came together to arrange a chance for Leo Jara – who blamed his boot over the bar from the edge of the area. It was normal for the game.
Pele and Maradona’s fans may be more precise in the second leg.