This is clearly a point of no return for Boca Juniors, for not even the infinite number of modifications that took place within the starting squad in this tournament has been enough to give the Xeneizes an opportunity to fight for a place in an American competition. Nonetheless the importance of these last three matches will be decisive for Boca to escape from the rarefied air of the basement, which have been playing against them during the whole season. Who will get the glory of this week's Derby?
A living hell
Boca Juniors' present is a dark one, as Abel Alves' exit could have meant the beginning of a new era for the Xeneizes, but it's clear team's problems run deeper than one figure, and thus call for a more radical solution than a simple change in the papers. Roberto Pompei has for the moment been unable to lead the team towards an awakening, and the pressure grows higher week after week.
Team's most impressive referents Martin Palermo and Roman Riquelme will be sidelined for this match struggling with injuries, even though a surprise might be in place for this trip to Avellaneda. Nicolas Gaitan have shown he's grown during this semester and thus will have to become man and lead Boca's offensive towards Independiente's goal, a difficult task considering Rojos' monumental defense.
The team is still under the worst streak in the history, and with a tight schedule waiting ahead (having yet to take on Huracan and Banfield) time will be running out for Tito Pompei unless new offensive ideas list team's spirit for this match.
Ezequiel Muñoz solidity in the defensive line has proven to be decisive to secure the last victories, thus it's clear he'll be within the starting eleven, joining Hugo Ibarra to provide a way to stop Independiente's deadly offensive.
Tolo's dream
What appeared to be an easy tournament for the Rojos have shown there's still a long path to be walked if claiming the title is their true ambition. Independiente is standing for the moment at the fourth position with 31 points, two points below Pincha's leadership.
Team's most decisive striker Dario Gandin has been unable to perform during the last weeks, and his fall has been a sign of Independiente's decaying, for without Gandin Nestor Silvera has been a shadow in the offensive, relegating Tolo's team to unexpected defeats as the one against San Lorenzo.
To bear with this offensive problems Americo Gallego gave opportunities to most of its squad, but it seems Pato Rodriguez has been the one to fill the open spaces, as his dribbling skills have proved to pair as none with Walter Acevedo's technique. From Gandin's fall Leonel Nuñez have become the most effective of team's striker, ready to fight for his position in the squad.
Leandro Gracian, former Boca player will be forbidden from performing, giving Ignacio Piatti more space to show off his skills against a major team falling to the ground.
Argentinos and Lanus will be waiting for Independiente in the last two matches, and every single point must be obtained to claim the title, will Tolo Gallego's boys be ready for such an Herculean task?
Historical Facts
Boca has the upper hands, having won 64 of the 172 matches played in Argentinean Professionalism against the 58 matches obtained by Tolo Gallego and his players. These numbers invest a major importance considering Independiente has historically dominated the Xeneizes, but since 1989 the course was changed, even though now seems to be recovering its natural flow. Martin Palermo (as we're used to see) is one of the major scorers of this competition with 7 goals.
