Boca Juniors Crashes Out of Copa Libertadores, Manager Claudio Úbeda Sacked
Boca Juniors suffered a devastating exit from the Copa Libertadores on May 29, failing to advance past the group stage after a 1-0 home loss to Universidad Católica. The defeat left the club with only 7 points, well short of direct qualification.
In the immediate aftermath of the Libertadores elimination, manager Claudio Úbeda was sacked on June 2, 2026.
The club is also grappling with a significant injury crisis, with several key players sidelined since early 2026, including Rodrigo Battaglia, Agustín Marchesín, Carlos Palacios, and Edinson Cavani, forcing the team to rely on younger talent.
The elimination from the Copa Libertadores has ignited a firestorm of anger and despair among Boca Juniors fans. Social media was flooded with furious reactions, with many expressing profound disappointment and calling the early exit a "gigantic embarrassment."
"It was the worst way we could have been eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, losing at home. We didn't deserve to lose, but we didn't play well either. Boca didn't play this match like a final, that's what hurts me."
- A fan reacting on YouTube
Many fans on platforms like YouTube lamented the team's performance, particularly after a strong showing in the Superclásico earlier in the season, questioning what led to such a rapid decline in form.
Boca Juniors will face Sarmiento Junin in the Copa Argentina on July 15, 2026.
The club is scheduled to begin its Copa Sudamericana playoff campaign against O'Higgins on July 24, 2026.
The start of the Liga Profesional Clausura season is also approaching, with Boca's first match against Deportivo Riestra on July 26, 2026.