Controversial Goal Stands as Boca Draws with Unión in Liga Profesional Action

Santa Fe, Argentina – A late goal by Miguel Merentiel secured a 1-1 draw for Boca Juniors against Unión on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in a match marred by controversy. The equalizer, however, should have been disallowed due to a clear foul committed in the build-up, sparking outrage from Unión officials and fans alike. The match, a fixture in the 11th round of the Torneo Apertura of Argentina’s Liga Profesional, was played at the Estadio 15 de Abril in Santa Fe.

Boca entered the match trailing after Julián Palacios opened the scoring for Unión in the first half. The home side appeared to be heading for a crucial victory before Merentiel’s goal in the 52nd minute leveled the score. However, the circumstances surrounding the goal have ignited a debate over the effectiveness of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol.

The Controversial Build-Up

The sequence leading to Merentiel’s goal began with a hopeful ball into the box from Boca’s Marcelo Weigandt. Adam Bareiro attempted a bicycle kick that struck the crossbar, and Merentiel was on hand to slot home the rebound with a powerful, rising shot past Unión goalkeeper Matías Mansilla. But the play wasn’t clean.

Prior to Weigandt’s cross, Lautaro Blanco clearly impeded Unión’s Julián Palacios by grabbing his shirt, gaining a significant advantage in the challenge for possession. This infraction, occurring during the attacking phase of play, should have triggered a review by VAR, according to the Attacking Possession Phase (APP) protocol. The source material clearly shows the shirt pull, initiating the sequence that led to the goal.

The APP protocol dictates that VAR officials should alert the on-field referee to review any potential foul play that directly impacts an attacking phase. In this instance, Lucas Novelli, the VAR official, failed to recommend a review by referee Yael Falcón Pérez. Had a review been conducted, it’s widely believed that Falcón Pérez would have overturned the goal due to the clear foul.

Union’s Protests Fall on Deaf Ears

Immediately after the goal, the Unión players surrounded Falcón Pérez, vehemently protesting the decision and pointing to the clear foul committed by Blanco. Despite the passionate appeals, the referee stood by his initial call, and the goal was allowed to stand. This decision ultimately shaped the final result of the match.

The incident highlights a growing concern regarding the consistency and application of VAR in Argentine football. Although intended to eliminate clear and obvious errors, the system has faced criticism for perceived inconsistencies and a reluctance to intervene in crucial moments.

What the Players Said

Following the match, both teams expressed their views on the controversial decision. Unión goalkeeper Matías Mansilla acknowledged the difficulty of the match but alluded to the officiating as a factor. “Beyond some decisions that harmed us, it was hard to get into the game,” Mansilla said. “We faced a very strong opponent, and we shouldn’t diminish what we did. We have to keep going.”

Julián Palacios, the scorer of Unión’s opening goal, echoed his goalkeeper’s sentiments, expressing frustration with the outcome. “We deserved a little more, but these games are like that, difficult. I’m left with strange feelings. We go game by game, and we’re a little sad because we drew,” Palacios stated, adding that he was also booked for protesting the goal.

Standings Implications

The draw leaves Unión in second place in Zone A with 16 points, six points behind leader Vélez Sarsfield. Boca Juniors currently sits in sixth place with 14 points. Both teams remain in contention for a playoff spot as the Torneo Apertura progresses. The result does little to significantly alter the playoff picture at this stage, but the controversy surrounding the goal could have long-term ramifications.

Palacios’ Early Strike

Prior to the contentious equalizer, Unión had taken the lead through a well-worked team goal in the 42nd minute. The play involved a flowing sequence of passes and a decisive run by Lautaro Vargas down the right flank. Vargas’ cross found Palacios in space, who unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that beat Boca goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín at his near post. It was Palacios’ second goal of the championship, following a previous strike against Sarmiento in Junín.

The goal showcased Unión’s attacking prowess, a characteristic that has become a hallmark of their campaign this season. The team’s ability to move the ball quickly and create scoring opportunities has made them a formidable opponent for any team in the league.

What’s Next for Boca and Unión?

Boca Juniors will return to action next week with a home match against [Next Opponent to be confirmed – information not available in sources]. Unión, meanwhile, will travel to face [Next Opponent to be confirmed – information not available in sources]. Both teams will be looking to build on their recent performances and continue their push for a playoff berth.

The fallout from this match is likely to continue in the coming days, with calls for greater transparency and accountability from VAR officials. The incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role that technology plays in modern football and the importance of ensuring that it is used effectively and consistently.

Fans can stay updated on the latest developments in the Liga Profesional by visiting the official league website and following their favorite teams on social media.