Boca Juniors beat Barcelona on penalties in the Maradona Cup at the King Saud University Stadium in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Ferran Jutgla fired the Blaugrana into a 52nd minute lead only for Boca to equalise through Exequiel Zeballos in the 77th.
Boca then won 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out to claim the first ever Maradona Cup. It’s an event held in honour of Diego Maradona, the legendary Argentine footballer who passed away this time last year. Maradona joined Barcelona from Boca in 1982, only to return to La Bombonera to finish his career in 1995.
The result is another defeat for Barcelona in a tough season. They were knocked out of the Champions League last week after finishing third in their group, and drew 2-2 at Osasuna at the weekend. They sit eighth in La Liga. Boca finished fourth in the second phase of Argentine Primera Division this season, 13 points behind champions – and their great rivals – River Plate.
Jutgla’s goal was the first he’s ever scored for Barcelona, and it came just a handful of days after the 22-year-old made his debut against Osasuna at the weekend. “It was too bad that we didn’t keep the lead, although we’ll learn from these things,” he said post-match in comments carried by Mundo Deportivo.
“But I’m happy, for the goal and just being here, adding to my experience with the first team. It gives me confidence and helps me to continue working in the way that I am. The truth is that since I was little I’ve always dreamed of making my debut in the Primera and Barcelona have given me this opportunity. I’m very grateful and I want to make the most of it.”
