Boca Juniors’ board of directors met in emergency session Friday following the club’s 2–1 aggregate defeat to Chilean side Universidad Católica in the Copa Libertadores round of 16. Sources close to the club told Archysport that the decision to terminate Ubeda’s contract was unanimous and came without negotiation for an extension. The coach, who joined Boca in December 2022 after a stint with La Liga side Almería, had already faced mounting criticism for his tactical rigidity and inability to replicate the defensive solidity that defined Boca’s 2023 title-winning campaign under FIFA World Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni.

Key detail: Ubeda’s contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024 calendar year, but Boca’s hierarchy determined the coach’s immediate departure was necessary to avoid further damage to the club’s standing. The board’s statement, released via official channels, cited “a lack of results in key competitions” as the primary reason for the decision.

A Collapse in the Libertadores: How Boca Undermined Its Own Legacy

Boca’s exit from the Copa Libertadores—arguably the most prestigious club tournament in world football—was not sudden. It was the culmination of a season in which the Xeneizes struggled to replicate their 2023 form. Here’s the breakdown of the key moments that led to Ubeda’s dismissal:

• Round of 16 vs. Universidad Católica: Boca’s 1–1 draw in the first leg at La Bombonera (home) was followed by a 1–0 defeat in Santiago, Chile. The second-leg match was marred by tactical errors, including a defensive lapse in the 78th minute that allowed Católica’s Diego Rivera-like winger to score the decisive goal.
• Defensive frailties: Boca conceded 12 goals in their last 10 matches across all competitions, a statistic that alarmed even the club’s most loyal supporters. Ubeda’s 4–4–2 formation, once effective, became predictable against faster, more direct opponents.
• Attacking stagnation: Boca’s top scorer, Rodrigo Barragán (14 goals in 2023), managed just 3 goals this season, with his strike partner Edinson Cavani (34, retired in 2023) long gone.

Context: This is the first time since 2018 that Boca has failed to advance past the round of 16 in the Libertadores. The last exit was equally painful—a 2–1 defeat to Flamengo in the quarterfinals.

Fan Reaction: From Protests to ‘Que Se Vayan Todos’

The news of Ubeda’s departure sparked immediate backlash—and relief—among Boca’s fanbase. Social media erupted with memes, calls for the board’s resignation, and demands for a return to the club’s traditional playing style. Here’s how the reaction unfolded:

• La Bombonera protests: A small but vocal group of fans gathered outside the stadium Friday evening, waving banners reading “Ubeda, te fuiste como llegaste” (“You left the way you came”). Security was deployed to prevent clashes with police.
• Social media trends: The hashtag #QueSeVayanTodos (a play on the 2001 Argentine economic crisis slogan) trended in Argentina, with users targeting not just Ubeda but Boca’s board and technical staff.
• Player statements: While most Boca players avoided public comment, midfielder Leandro Benítez (28 caps for Argentina) told reporters, “We’re a team in transition. The club needs to look forward, not backward.”

Fan sentiment: A survey conducted by Clarín found that 68% of Boca supporters believe the club’s board made the right call, but 72% also expressed skepticism about Boca’s ability to find a suitable replacement quickly.

Who’s Next? The Candidates and the Clock

Boca’s board has begun internal discussions about potential replacements, with a target timeline of 48 hours to name an interim coach for the next Primera División fixture against Racing Club on June 2. Here are the front-runners:

Key constraint: Boca’s financial situation remains uncertain following the club’s $120 million debt restructuring in 2023. Any replacement will likely need to accept a salary below the $2 million/year Ubeda earned.

The Road Ahead: Domestic and International Implications

Boca’s immediate focus shifts to two fronts:

1. Primera División Title Defense

• Boca leads the table with 42 points (13 games played), but Racing Club (41) and River Plate (40) are closing in.
• The next six matches are critical, including a Clásico against River Plate on June 16.
• Interim coach will need to restore defensive discipline and attacking rhythm quickly.

2. Copa Sudamericana Reentry

• Boca will enter the Sudamericana at the group stage, facing LDU Quito, Defensores de Belgrano, and Bolivar.
• Group stage runs from July 24 to September 18, 2024.
• Advancing past the group stage would be a moral victory for any interim coach.

Long-term question: Can Boca return to Libertadores glory, or will this season mark the beginning of a new era? The answer may hinge on whether the club can attract a coach who can blend Boca’s attacking flair with modern defensive systems.

Boca’s Coaching Crisis: A Pattern of Instability?

Ubeda’s departure is the latest in a series of coaching changes at Boca that have raised questions about the club’s long-term stability:

• 2021: Diego Martínez fired after poor Libertadores run (replaced by Marcelo Gallardo).
• 2019: Guillermo Barros Schelotto sacked after 1–0 loss to Rosario Central (replaced by Marcelo Gallardo).
• 2017: Guillermo Ramírez fired mid-season (replaced by Marcelo Gallardo).

Pattern: Since Carlos Bianchi’s legendary tenure (1998–2004), Boca has cycled through 12 head coaches, with only Gallardo (2019–2021) and Scaloni (2023) delivering sustained success.

5 Things to Watch in Boca’s Coaching Crisis

1. Speed of replacement: Can Boca name an interim coach within 48 hours? Delay risks further fan unrest.
2. Tactical reset: Will the new coach abandon Ubeda’s 4–4–2 or adapt it? Boca’s midfield is its strength.
3. Financial constraints: Will Boca prioritize experience or youth in hiring? The debt situation limits options.
4. Fan morale: Can the board regain trust after years of underperformance and high turnover?
5. Long-term vision: Is this a temporary fix or the start of a rebuild? The Libertadores draw suggests Boca still believes in contention.

How to Follow Boca’s Next Moves

Official updates: Boca Juniors will release a formal statement on their official website and social media channels by Saturday, May 25. The club’s press conference is expected to include details on the interim coach and next steps.

Key dates:

• May 25, 2024: Boca’s board to announce interim coach (time/venue TBD).
• June 2, 2024: Boca vs. Racing Club (Primera División, 19:30 UTC / 16:30 ART).
• June 16, 2024: Boca vs. River Plate (Clásico, 21:30 UTC / 18:30 ART).
• July 24, 2024: Copa Sudamericana group stage begins.