Historyyy - 2003 a 2005

THE GLORIOUS RETURN OF BIANCHI

2003

After a year without titles, the return of Bianchi would bring back glory, making it a triple.

Without the charisma of Riquelme but with the electrifying presence of Carlos Tevez, Boca shone in the two-legged Libertadores Cup final and wiped out Brazilian Santos 5-1 overall. After a hiccup in the second round against Brazilian Paysandú, Boca won the last seven games. In the second half of the year they wouldn’t’ slow down. They repeated what was done in 2000, won the Argentine championship with a wonderful campaign (11 wins, 6 draws and 2 losses) and the contribution of Fabián Vargas and Brazilian Pedro Iarley. On December 14 the second season of the 'Virrey' would reach the absolute best ever. Once again in Japan against Italian giants Milan, Boca became world champions. It was1-1 after extra time (goal by Matías Donnet), then goal keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri proved himself an idol saving shots from eleven meters by Pirlo and Costacurta (Seedorf pulled out) and Boca won. Another amazing year, with Tokyo again at Boca’s feet.

BASILE'S BOCA

2005

After the arrival of Alfio Basile in the middle of the year, with the signing of Federico Insúa and 'Cata' Díaz, among others, the team was resurrected after a quiet season.

Also talented youngsters Rodrigo Palacio and Fernando Gago came on the scene and eventually Boca obtained the Apertura having won 12 times, drawn 4 and lost 3.This would not be the only achievement of the 'Coco' era. In the space of just one year, until mid-2006, the team won all tournaments they competed in. Boca won the Recopa against Once Caldas at the end of a two-legged clash and also won the Copa Sudamericana to close the centenary the best possible way. In the Copa Sudamericana final, against the Mexican Pumas, they drew both home and away sealing triumph from the penalty spot thanks to another super performance byAbbondanzieri. The following year, Boca won the championship again with a game in hand, away to Independiente, and in the Recopagot the better of Brazilian team São Paulo: Basile’s era reached its climax winning all five competitions, but the 'Coco' eventually left and took over as the Argentine National team manager.