1-1: VAR upsets San Lorenzo and saves Boca

Nahuel Barrios, the most daring of all, hooked, passed an opponent and hit a high right hand, unstoppable. Great last minute goal to define the always special classic in between San Lorenzo and Mouthto put the Ciclón in the qualification zone for the Libertadores 2024, to stretch the historic paternity against the giant

However, after a big celebration, surprise and controversy arose. VAR analyzed the game and discovered a small forward position by Federico Girotti, the Barça striker. Jorge Baliño, who is responsible for VAR, took a long time before making a decision. But in the end he was inclined to disallow the goal even if the offside was imperceptible. An unusual decision. Afterwards, it was all tied at 1-1, with San Lorenzo full of anger and Boca safe from another blow.

This VAR decision is key for the future of both teams. San Lorenzo, if it wins, will enter the qualification zone for the Libertadores 2024, but that remains among those who will get a ticket to the Sudamericana. In addition, he achieved a great emotional boost by breaking a wide chain of ties that weakened him.

Boca, who lost, had almost no chance to enter the top continental competition in the annual table. He was saved from playing more matches for Saturday’s final defeat against Fluminense, a loss that also triggered the resignation of coach Jorge Almirón. A fact: both Cuervos and Xeneizes still have the possibility of achieving a passport to the Libertadores if they win the Argentine Cup.

Boca, with Mariano Herrón as interim coach, was slightly superior in the first half. San Lorenzo came out of their guard and grew into the second of the changes. Xeneizes took the lead with a fine finish from Miguel Merentiel’s goal. The crows tied it thanks to a serious mistake by Sergio Romero in starting a cross. Chiquito made a mistake, the goal was empty and Adam Bareiro scored comfortably with a header.

Cavani’s match question

In the end, Ciclón deserved to win, but they didn’t because of a questionable referee’s decision. That disallowed goal was an act of justice to Perrito Barrios, the best of the classic. There has been poor production from Edinson Cavani at Boca and Herrón has been criticized for keeping the Uruguayan on the field and for leaving out the two best in his team, Barco and Merentiel.

With 1-1 between San Lorenzo and Boca, matchday 12 of the League Cup is closed. Two chapters left, in Zone A, River leads with 23 points, followed by Independiente with 22, Huracán with 20 and Banfield with 19. In Zone B, the leader is Godoy Cruz with 21. Second, Central Córdoba with 19. Then , with 18, Belgrano and Karera.

The top four in each group will meet in the playoffs. San Lorenzo and Boca have no chance to qualify. In the final days, they will be looking to add points, aiming to break into the top four in the table. The crows will visit Defensa y Justicia and receive Central Córdobas. Xeneizes will be local to Newell’s and close with Godoy Cruz in Mendoza.