Boca Juniors vs Independiente

Date: May 20, 2025
Time: 3:30 AM EAT (2:30 AM local time)
Venue: Estadio Alberto J. Armando (La Bombonera), Buenos Aires
Competition: Argentine Primera División, Apertura Quarterfinals
Broadcast: ESPN Premium, ElCanaldeBoca, canchallena.com (live updates)

In their most recent match, Boca Juniors defeated Lanús 4-2 in penalties. They had won at home eight times in a row. Mariano Herron's team had three shots on goal and a 54% possession rate.

Independiente has already lost two straight away games. They defeated Independiente Rivadavia 1-0 at home in their most recent match. With seven shots on target and a 57% possession rate, Los Diablos Rojos scored the game-winning goal in the 57th minute thanks to Santiago Gabriel Montiel.

With the most recent meeting concluding in a 0-0 stalemate, Boca has gone undefeated in their last three meetings with Independiente. Boca and Independiente have each won once in their last five head-to-head encounters, with three draws.

The stage is set for an electrifying quarterfinal clash in the 2025 Argentine Primera División Apertura as Boca Juniors host Independiente at the iconic La Bombonera. While not a traditional derby, this matchup between two Buenos Aires giants promises high stakes and intense drama. With both teams coming off hard-fought Round of 16 battles, this encounter could hinge on fine margins, potentially culminating in a penalty shootout. Here’s everything you need to know about this blockbuster fixture.

Boca Juniors, currently sitting third in the Torneo Inicial with 33 points, have been a force at home this season. Unbeaten at La Bombonera in competitive matches in 2025, they’ve outscored their opponents 6-1 in Copa Sudamericana home games. Their recent 4-2 victory over Lanús in the Round of 16, secured via penalties after a goalless draw, showcased their resilience despite a nervy performance.

The return of key players like Edinson Cavani and Ander Herrera from injury is a massive boost, with Cavani’s experience and goal-scoring prowess likely to be pivotal. Boca’s recent form (W-W-W-D-W) reflects momentum, with five clean sheets in their last five games and only one instance of both teams scoring in that span. Their defense, led by Marcos Rojo and goalkeeper Sergio Romero, has been rock-solid, conceding zero goals in their last five matches across all competitions.

Independiente, fifth in the Torneo Inicial with 29 points, have shown flashes of brilliance but are grappling with inconsistency. Their Round of 16 win was a narrow 1-0 victory over Independiente Rivadavia, but the absence of star striker Gabriel Avalos due to injury has severely hampered their attack. The Avellaneda side has failed to score in their last three matches, managing just one goal in four games without Avalos.

Despite a strong group stage performance, their recent form (D-L-L-W-D) suggests vulnerabilities, particularly away from home, where they’ve lost to teams like Tucumán and Guaraní. Independiente’s defense will need to be at its best to contain Boca’s potent attack, but their lack of offensive firepower could prove costly.

Historically, Boca Juniors hold the edge in this fixture. In 41 previous encounters, Boca have won 18, Independiente 7, with 16 draws. Their most recent meeting on December 14, 2024, ended in a 0-0 stalemate at La Bombonera, continuing a trend of low-scoring affairs, with the last three matches producing under 2.5 goals and no both-teams-to-score outcomes.

Boca have won four of the last 11 meetings, scoring 14 goals to Independiente’s 9, and their home dominance gives them a psychological advantage heading into this clash.