Keylor Navas Excels as Newell's Defeats Boca Juniors 2-0
The Costa Rican goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Newell's crucial victory, saving a penalty from Edinson Cavani and contributing to team morale.
In a highly anticipated match on March 30, 2025, Keylor Navas delivered an outstanding performance for Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys as they secured a 2-0 victory over Boca Juniors at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.
Navas, the experienced Costa Rican goalkeeper, was instrumental in the win, showcasing his skills both defensively and offensively.
The match started with Newell's displaying aggressive intent, and they took the lead just five minutes into the game.
Navas initiated a well-practiced play by executing a long goal kick towards striker Carlos González, who flicked the ball onto Luciano Herrera.
Herrera then scored the opening goal, stunning the visiting Boca Juniors.
Boca Juniors, one of South America's most storied clubs, struggled to convert their chances into goals during the first half.
They had several opportunities to level the score, yet most attempts were either off target or easily handled by Navas, who made minimal but crucial saves.
Newell’s extended their lead just before halftime when Luciano Lollo scored with a header from a free kick, leaving the score at 2-0 by the break.
The second half saw Boca Juniors attempt to rally, dominating possession at times but failing to penetrate the resolute Newell's defense.
The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Edinson Cavani was awarded a penalty for Boca Juniors.
The stakes were high as this put Navas and Cavani, two well-known players with a history from their time in European football, into a direct confrontation.
Navas accurately read Cavani's shot, which struck the post, and he reacted quickly to deny the subsequent rebound effort, maintaining Newell's 2-0 advantage.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric following Navas’s save, with fans erupting in cheers and support for the team.
Newell’s continued to press for a third goal, creating several additional chances, but were unable to convert them, with Boca's goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín also making important saves to keep the scoreline unchanged.
Despite their struggles earlier in the season, this victory brought Newell’s to eleven points in the league, moving them closer to a playoff spot.
The result was particularly significant for a side that had accumulated only eight points from their first ten matches.
Navas, at 38 years old, continues to defy expectations with his performances, drawing accolades from Argentine media and fans alike.
The goalkeeper expressed contentment with his life in Argentina, stating that he felt welcomed and was enjoying his time both on and off the field.
Newell's team manager, Cristian Fabbiani, praised Navas's influence on the squad, emphasizing his calming presence during the match.
Fabbiani noted the confidence that Navas instills not just in him as the coach, but throughout the team, particularly in crucial moments like the penalty save.
Looking ahead, Newell's Old Boys will face Kimberley Mar de Plata on April 3 in the first round of the Copa Argentina, and the team appears to be gearing up for a renewed push in the league as they strive to improve their standing.
Navas, the experienced Costa Rican goalkeeper, was instrumental in the win, showcasing his skills both defensively and offensively.
The match started with Newell's displaying aggressive intent, and they took the lead just five minutes into the game.
Navas initiated a well-practiced play by executing a long goal kick towards striker Carlos González, who flicked the ball onto Luciano Herrera.
Herrera then scored the opening goal, stunning the visiting Boca Juniors.
Boca Juniors, one of South America's most storied clubs, struggled to convert their chances into goals during the first half.
They had several opportunities to level the score, yet most attempts were either off target or easily handled by Navas, who made minimal but crucial saves.
Newell’s extended their lead just before halftime when Luciano Lollo scored with a header from a free kick, leaving the score at 2-0 by the break.
The second half saw Boca Juniors attempt to rally, dominating possession at times but failing to penetrate the resolute Newell's defense.
The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Edinson Cavani was awarded a penalty for Boca Juniors.
The stakes were high as this put Navas and Cavani, two well-known players with a history from their time in European football, into a direct confrontation.
Navas accurately read Cavani's shot, which struck the post, and he reacted quickly to deny the subsequent rebound effort, maintaining Newell's 2-0 advantage.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric following Navas’s save, with fans erupting in cheers and support for the team.
Newell’s continued to press for a third goal, creating several additional chances, but were unable to convert them, with Boca's goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín also making important saves to keep the scoreline unchanged.
Despite their struggles earlier in the season, this victory brought Newell’s to eleven points in the league, moving them closer to a playoff spot.
The result was particularly significant for a side that had accumulated only eight points from their first ten matches.
Navas, at 38 years old, continues to defy expectations with his performances, drawing accolades from Argentine media and fans alike.
The goalkeeper expressed contentment with his life in Argentina, stating that he felt welcomed and was enjoying his time both on and off the field.
Newell's team manager, Cristian Fabbiani, praised Navas's influence on the squad, emphasizing his calming presence during the match.
Fabbiani noted the confidence that Navas instills not just in him as the coach, but throughout the team, particularly in crucial moments like the penalty save.
Looking ahead, Newell's Old Boys will face Kimberley Mar de Plata on April 3 in the first round of the Copa Argentina, and the team appears to be gearing up for a renewed push in the league as they strive to improve their standing.
