Boca Juniors vs Grêmio (2007 Copa Libertadores Final)
Six stars in the sky: Boca's gritty triumph over Grêmio secures their sixth Libertadores crown.
The 2007 Copa Libertadores Final etched itself into Boca Juniors' history not merely as a trophy win, but as the moment they claimed their sixth star in South America's premier club competition. This two-legged final pitted Argentine giants against Brazil's Grêmio, culminating in a dramatic showdown that tested the resolve of both squads before Boca secured victory on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate deadlock.
This match is revered not just for the silverware it delivered to La Bombonera, but for the resilience displayed by a squad navigating internal turmoil and external pressure. It cemented the legacy of coach Alfio Basile and key figures like Juan Román Riquelme, reinforcing Boca's status as a continental powerhouse during the mid-2000s.
- Competition
- Copa Libertadores
- Season
- 2007
- Result (Aggregate)
- 2-2 (Boca wins on away goals)
- Deciding Match Venue
- Estádio Olímpico Monumental, Porto Alegre
- Key Figure
- Juan Román Riquelme (Playmaker)
Lore & Background
By 2007, Boca Juniors was a club steeped in tradition but facing a period of transition. The team entered the final with a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy, orchestrated by the artistic genius of Juan Román Riquelme. The path to the final was arduous, requiring them to dismantle traditional rivals like River Plate in the semi-finals, setting the stage for a clash against the Brazilian side Grêmio, who had been formidable hosts throughout their campaign.
The first leg at La Bombonera ended in a tense 2-1 victory for Boca, with goals from Martín Palermo and Carlos Tevez. However, the second leg in Porto Alegre became a fortress for Grêmio. The Brazilian team dominated possession and scored twice to force extra time, creating an atmosphere of dread among the traveling Xeneize faithful. Yet, the away goal rule became the ultimate savior; Boca's earlier strike in Brazil proved decisive when the aggregate score remained deadlocked after 120 minutes.
The victory was a testament to tactical discipline and mental fortitude. In a tournament where Argentine teams had struggled against Brazilian hosts in recent years, Boca broke through with a performance that prioritized defensive solidity over flair when necessary. The trophy lifted by captain Roberto Abbondanzieri became a symbol of survival and excellence, adding a sixth star to the club's crest and silencing critics who questioned the squad's depth.
In Their Own Story
The air in Porto Alegre hung heavy with humidity as the clock ticked into extra time. The roar of the Brazilian crowd was a physical weight pressing against the Boca defenders, a wall of sound that threatened to swallow the pitch whole. On the field, silence held the traveling contingent; they knew one mistake would cost them everything. Riquelme stood near the center circle, eyes scanning the field, calm amidst the storm. He caught the eye of Palacio, who had just made a desperate run. A simple pass, a moment of hesitation from the Grêmio keeper, and the ball rolled into the net—but it wasn't enough to win it immediately, only keeping the dream alive.
When the final whistle blew, the aggregate score was level, but the away goal rule whispered the truth: they had done it again. The embrace between teammates was not one of wild celebration, but of profound relief and shared exhaustion.
Reader's Guide
The 2007 Copa Libertadores Final remains a pivotal reference point for understanding Boca Juniors' tactical evolution under Basile. Fans revisiting this match often highlight the defensive organization that neutralized Grêmio's attack in Brazil. It is available on official CONMEBOL archives and various football history collections.
Did You Know?
- This was Boca Juniors' sixth Copa Libertadores title, tying them with Independiente as the most successful club in the competition's history at that time.
- Juan Román Riquelme was named the best player of the tournament, showcasing his vision and control throughout the campaign.
- The victory came during a period of significant financial and administrative instability for the club, making the on-field success even more precious to the fans.
- Carlos Tevez scored in both legs of the final, playing a pivotal role before moving to Manchester United shortly after the tournament.