Boca Edge Lanus on Penalties to Reach Apertura Quarter-finals amid Fan Unrest

Boca Juniors claimed a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Lanus on Saturday to reach the Argentine Apertura tournament quarter-finals, following a tense 0-0 draw under a cloud of fan dissatisfaction at the La Bombonera stadium.
Boca goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin, who was pivotal in preserving the deadlock during the match, gave Boca an early advantage in the shootout by saving Alexis Canelo’s opening kick.
Lanus winger Dylan Aquino then blazed a shot over the bar while Boca held their nerve, converting their first three penalties with confidence.
Substitute Milton Gimenez stepped up to convert the decisive spot-kick, sealing Boca’s place in the next round where they will meet either Independiente or Independiente Rivadavia.
Despite the win, the mood at La Bombonera was far from festive, as local fans voiced their frustration with a series of underwhelming performances, directing chants at both the players and club management, Reuters reported.
“We definitely need to improve, but we achieved what we wanted to achieve, which was to get through the round. From here, we now have to work to improve,” interim Boca coach Mariano Herron, who replaced sacked coach Fernando Gago last month, told reporters.