Boca Juniors snatch Argentine title in dramatic finale

Boca Juniors were crowned Argentine league champions after Enner Valencia’s stoppage-time strike secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Defensa y Justicia at La Bombonera yesterday.

The Ecuadorian forward struck in the 90+6th minute, sending Boca supporters into wild celebrations and completing one of the most dramatic title finishes in recent Argentine football history.

Boca finished the annual standings with 63 points, just one ahead of Rosario Central, who had briefly believed they had secured the crown after beating Estudiantes de Río Cuarto 2-0.

Rosario’s players and supporters had even begun celebrating on the pitch, only for Valencia’s late winner to turn their joy into disappointment. The goal ultimately settled the title race in Boca’s favour.

At the heart of Boca’s triumph was captain Leandro Paredes, whose leadership and presence in midfield proved vital throughout the campaign. The Argentina international, who returned to his boyhood club after spending several seasons in Europe, finally fulfilled a long-held dream of lifting the championship with Boca.

Paredes, visibly emotional after the final whistle, described the achievement as a special moment in his career, particularly with his family watching from the stands.

“I came back for this. I dreamed of becoming a champion on this pitch, with all these people and my family watching,” he said.

The title marks Boca’s return to Argentine league glory and ends a three-year wait for major silverware. It also provides a significant boost to the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.

While Valencia delivered the decisive moment, Paredes’ leadership embodied Boca’s determination to keep believing until the final whistle.

For Boca, the championship was more than a trophy, it was a night of resilience, emotion and unforgettable drama.