On November 28, 2000, Tokyo’s National Stadium hosted a clash of footballing titans as Copa Libertadores champions Boca Juniors faced UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup Final. The match was a tale of passion, skill, and the unyielding desire of the underdog, culminating in a stunning 2-1 victory for the Argentinian giants.
This victory not only crowned Boca Juniors as the world's best club team but also reinforced the enduring legacy of South American football in global competitions.
The Context: A Clash of Footballing Giants
Real Madrid, under manager Vicente del Bosque, entered the game as favorites. With a star-studded lineup featuring legends like Luis Figo, Raúl, Roberto Carlos, and Iker Casillas, the Spanish giants were widely expected to overpower their South American rivals.
On the other hand, Boca Juniors, managed by Carlos Bianchi, embodied the heart and grit of South American football. They were led by the charismatic Juan Román Riquelme and a sharp-shooting Martín Palermo, both pivotal to their Libertadores triumph.
The match wasn’t just about clubs; it was about two continents vying for football supremacy, and Boca Juniors rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.
The Match
A Stunning Start
Boca Juniors shocked Real Madrid with an electric opening. Barely three minutes into the game, Martín Palermo latched onto a through ball and rifled a low shot past Iker Casillas to give Boca an early 1-0 lead.
Just two minutes later, Palermo struck again. Exploiting Madrid's defensive lapses, he fired another clinical finish into the net to double Boca’s advantage. The Spanish side, stunned by this whirlwind start, struggled to find their rhythm.
Real Madrid’s Response
Despite the early setback, Real Madrid regrouped. In the 12th minute, Roberto Carlos delivered a thunderous strike from outside the box, bringing the score to 2-1 and giving the Galácticos hope. From then on, Real dominated possession, with Luis Figo and Raúl probing Boca’s defense relentlessly.
The Riquelme Show
Throughout the match, Juan Román Riquelme showcased his immense talent. His composure under pressure, exceptional dribbling, and precise passing dictated Boca’s tempo. Even against Real Madrid’s midfield maestros, Riquelme stood out, creating chances and frustrating Madrid’s attempts to control the game.
Boca’s Resilience
Real Madrid pressed hard for an equalizer, but Boca’s defense, marshaled by Jorge Bermúdez and Cristian Traverso, stood firm. Goalkeeper Óscar Córdoba delivered a heroic performance, making crucial saves to deny Madrid’s star-studded attack.
As the final whistle blew, Boca’s players and fans erupted in celebration, cementing their place in football history.
Lineups
Boca Juniors XI (4-4-2):
- GK: Óscar Córdoba
- RB: Hugo Ibarra
- CB: Jorge Bermúdez (c)
- CB: Cristian Traverso
- LB: Aníbal Matellán
- CM: Sebastián Battaglia
- CM: Mauricio Serna
- CM: José Basualdo
- AM: Juan Román Riquelme
- ST: Marcelo Delgado
- ST: Martín Palermo
Real Madrid XI (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Iker Casillas
- RB: Geremi
- CB: Fernando Hierro (c)
- CB: Aitor Karanka
- LB: Roberto Carlos
- CM: Claude Makélélé
- CM: Iván Helguera
- RW: Luis Figo
- AM: Guti
- LW: Steve McManaman
- ST: Raul
Aftermath and Legacy
Boca Juniors’ victory in Tokyo remains one of the club’s greatest achievements. Martín Palermo’s two-goal heroics and Riquelme’s midfield masterclass epitomized the spirit of South American football — blending artistry, determination, and passion.
For Real Madrid, the loss was a humbling experience, highlighting the unpredictability of football and the prowess of South American clubs on the global stage.
This match also bolstered Boca Juniors’ reputation as one of the world’s premier clubs and cemented Carlos Bianchi’s legacy as a tactical genius. It was a reminder to the footballing world that South American teams, with their blend of talent and grit, could rival and defeat Europe’s elite.
Key Moments
- 3’ - Martín Palermo opens the scoring with a clinical finish.
- 5’ - Palermo doubles Boca’s lead, stunning Real Madrid.
- 12’ - Roberto Carlos’ rocket strike reduces the deficit.
- 90’ - Boca Juniors hold on amid relentless Real Madrid pressure to claim victory.
Conclusion
The 2000 Intercontinental Cup Final was more than just a football match; it was a cultural and sporting statement. Boca Juniors didn’t just defeat Real Madrid — they outplayed and outsmarted one of the most talented squads in football history.
This iconic victory is a cherished moment for Boca fans and a testament to the power of underdogs on the world stage. It remains a shining example of South American football’s enduring excellence and ability to triumph against the odds.