Copa Sul-Americana: La Bombonera Silenced

Internacional beat Boca Juniors this Thursday in the Copa Sul-Americana, only this time at the Estádio La Bombonera. The Brazilian club beat the Argentinians by 2-1, in Buenos Aires, and are now through to the semifinals. After winning the first match in Brazil by a 2-0 margin Inter could have lost by one goal in Argentina, but ended up pulling off the unthinkable instead and beat Boca Juniors at their famed home ground.

Boca Juniors started with a mixed team, with star play-maker Riquelme only coming on in the second half. The home team was giving preference to the Argentinian Championship as are many other Brazilian clubs. Indeed because of the timing of this tournament it remains the only international trophy that no Brazilian club has ever won.

Never the less Boca came out gunning and pressured Inter in the early goings. It took 12 mins for Inter to get their first attack together as Nilmar almost surprised Boca goalie Garcia.

This first attack evened up the match as Nilmar and Alex put together good plays. Boca responded with Gonzalez and Figueroa but good defending impeded both attacks and 0-0 the first half ended.

After a goalless first half the net finally shook just one minute into the second as Nilmar crossed to find Magrão, who's first time effort led to the first goal. Boca would now need to score four times to go through to the next stage.

Desperate to score, coach Carlos Ischia put Riquelme in. It took one minute for Riquelme to drive home a penalty and even things. Motivated by the goal, Boca took control of the game.

But Inter were able to absorb everything Boca threw at them and goalie Lauro was also up to the task pulling off great saves and 26 minutes into the second half an Inter counter attack led to the unthinkable as D'Alessandro made his way up the left flank and played a ball into the area for none other than star midfielder Alex to chuck into the left corner of the goal.

Inter 2 Boca 1.

After this Boca's midfield broke down as a series of uncoordinated attacks led to gaps, and Inter actually had more chances to make things even worse, as the field opened up.

Inter will now meet the winner of River Plate versus Chivas Guadalajara. First match is scheduled for the 12th. and the return leg the 19th.

Boca Juniors 1 x 2 Internacional

Boca Juniors: García; Barroso, Forlín, Muñoz e Calvo; Neri Cardozo (Viatri), González, Gaitán (Dátolo) e Gracián (Riquelme); Mouche e Figueroa. Coach: Carlos Ischia.

Internacional: Lauro; Álvaro, Índio, Bolívar e Marcão; Edinho, Guiñazu, Magrão e D'Alessandro (Gustavo Nery); Nilmar e Alex. Coach: Tite.

Goals: Magrão 46, Riquelme 56, Alex 71.

Yellow Cards: Muñoz, Figueroa (Boca Juniors); Álvaro (Internacional).

Red Cards: Forlín (Boca Juniors).

Referee: Oscar Ruiz (COL).

Venue: Estádio La Bombonera,  Buenos Aires (ARG).