Boca and Atlético Mineiro will clash in the 2026 Sudamericana finalwith a unique rule that could tip the scales if they finish level. The match takes place Saturday, 21 November at Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia, featuring a tie‑breaker unlike earlier rounds.
The Xeneize aim for a third Sudamericana crown after 2004 and 2005 wins, while the Galo chase their first. Because the showdown is a one‑off at a neutral venue, the champion must be decided that day, with no second leg.
How the Sudamericana final is decided if it ends level
If the sides are deadlocked after 90 minutes, a 30‑minute extra time will be played, split into two 15‑minute halves. The 2026 Sudamericana Manual mandates this for the final. Should parity remain after extra time, the title goes to a penalty shootout.
This rule changes the earlier knockout format. From the round of 16 through the semis, tied aggregates went straight to penalties, skipping extra time. In Barranquilla, however, teams earn a half‑hour to settle the match before resorting to the twelve‑kick showdown.
If a shootout is required, each side starts with five alternating penalties. The contest can end early once one team gains an unreachable lead. Should the deadlock persist after those five rounds, sudden‑death kicks continue until one scores and the other misses.
Boca boasts a strong penalty record: 65 shootouts, 46 wins, 19 losses, a 70.77% success rate. Internationally they’ve won 19 of 30 attempts and have lifted titles via penalties six times: Libertadores 1977, 2000, 2001; Supercopa 1989; Intercontinental 2003; Sudamericana 2005. For my money, Boca’s penalty pedigree makes them the favorites.
Moreover, they hold the record for most Libertadores shootouts ever, 17, and the most victories, 11. Their peak spanned 2000‑2004, delivering six straight wins, three with Oscar Córdoba guarding the net and three with Roberto Abbondanzieri.
The latest penalty triumph came against Vélez in the Copa Argentina. Previously they edged O’Higgins in the 2026 Sudamericana playoffs. Should the final reach that stage, Boca will try to echo the 2005 finale, when they beat Pumas at La Bombonera to claim their second Sudamericana, eyeing a historic first three‑peat.
The last penalty shootout Boca won in the Sudamericana Will they secure a historic third Sudamericana crown?
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