Boca Juniors eliminated from Libertadores; Ubeda's future uncertain

Boca Juniors suffered another decisive defeat at home, losing 1-0 to Universidad Católica and crashing out of the Copa Libertadores group stage. This result relegates the Argentine club to the Copa Sudamericana and intensifies scrutiny on coach Claudio Ubeda, whose contract is set to expire in just over a month.

Ubeda, who took over after Miguel Ángel Russo's passing in October 2025, has overseen 32 official matches, with a record of 17 wins, seven draws, and eight losses. While his tenure included two victories against rivals River Plate and a 14-match unbeaten streak, the team's performance in crucial matches has been a recurring issue. Boca was eliminated by Racing in the Clausura 2025 semifinals, by Huracán in the Apertura 2026 round of 16, and now by the Chilean side in the Libertadores group stage, all at their home stadium, La Bombonera.

“

I don't think this is a time to talk about this.

This latest defeat also marked a historical low: it was Boca's first home loss against a Chilean team in international competitions. The elimination from the Libertadores group stage is particularly significant, as it's the first time the club has been knocked out at this stage since 1994, a span of 32 years.

Adding to the woes, Boca has now suffered five eliminations across various competitions in just 15 months. Ubeda, who stated in a press conference that "a coach depends on results," is currently enduring a winless streak of four matches, including three losses at La Bombonera, which is increasingly feeling less like a fortress. The club's future, and Ubeda's continuity, remain uncertain following this latest setback.

“

A coach depends on results.