Dario Benedetto was nowhere to be found as Boca Juniors went crashing out of the Copa Libertadores in embarrassing fashion on Wednesday, sending a penalty sailing over the bar in the deciding shootout.
It was a devastating match for the Argentine forward, who also missed a spot-kick during regulation of the Round of 16 match against Brazilian club Corinthians.
The South American sides played out a goalless draw and the tie had to be settled by a penalty shootout.
After having missed the 32nd minute penalty in regulation, Benedetto's horrible miss in the shootout contributed to the eventual defeat.
MORE: 2022 Copa Libertadores standings, results, and highlights
Watch Benedetto penalty miss sail into crowd during shootout
Boca were leading 3-2 in the penalty shootout when Benedetto stepped up to take his effort.
But the 32-year-old squandered the opportunity by sending the ball sailing high over the bar and into the crowd.
❌🔵🟡 Darío Benedetto had a chance to win the tie for @BocaJrsOficial, but sent his penalty into the supporters! pic.twitter.com/j0DQncSZoQ
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) July 6, 2022
While Boca scored their next two to remain level, Juan Ramirez ended up missing his decisive effort and Corinthians progressed to the last eight.
Benedetto also misses earlier penalty in regulation
Benedetto had an earlier chance to make the difference for Boca.
The ex-Marseille attacker was trusted to take a penalty 32 minutes into the clash with Corinthians. However, his shot struck the post and carromed out, with Corinthians were able to clear the danger.
⚽ ¡La gran chance que tuvo @BocaJrsOficial! Darío Benedetto estrelló en el palo el penal que ejecutó en el primer tiempo. pic.twitter.com/lezdJgjJbK
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@Libertadores) July 6, 2022
The regulation miss was just the third of Benedetto's career, excluding shootouts, in 15 total attempts.
Corinthians even took a ruthless shot at Benedetto on social media after the game. The Brazilian team posted an image of a membership card from their fan club with the attacker's photo and name printed on it.
GRACIAS!#DiaDeCorinthians #VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/Q667HjL2wn
— Corinthians (@Corinthians) July 6, 2022
Corinthians will go on to face either Deportes Tolima or Flamengo in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores. Meanwhile, Boca dumps out of the tournament in the Round of 16 for the second straight year. They haven't won the tournament since 2008, and haven't reached the final since 2018.
