I can die happy knowing I’d loved every moment of my visit to La Bombonera.

The Jewel in the Crown

After bouncing around and soaking up all that the mighty city of Buenos Aires had to offer, it was finally time for the jewel in the crown: none other than Boca Juniors at La Bombonera.

We’d stayed in the area of La Boca, the barrio where the club is based, so it was straight out onto the streets. Immediately, the mood and vibe were completely different from prior days when Boca wasn’t playing at home. The usually quiet and easy-going roads leading to the stadium were teeming with fans of all ages and genders.

We wandered past dads with kids on their shoulders, older couples, and groups of friends—all enjoying their sacred pre-match rituals, dressed head to toe in every possible combination of blue and yellow.

Every kiosk and corner shop had pulled out flags and banners, fluttering in the breeze, joining the sea of painted lampposts, walls, and railings in Boca’s iconic colours. These spots were packed with bands of supporters, offering up local delicacies like choripán and hamburguesa.

La Boca Comes Alive

The late evening sun began to soak over everything as we ventured through the crowds to meet my friend’s local Boca Juniors supporters’ club from her hometown of Olavarría.

Meeting the Olavarría Crew

We spotted the very top of the stadium peeking above surrounding buildings and trees—igniting the first real spark of excitement—just as we reached our group’s meeting point.

Despite the language barrier, we shared some Andes beers as they eagerly told me about their love for the club and stories from past matches. Most of the members had travelled over four hours by car and were facing the same journey back the next day. Still, all of them described it as an “easy trip” when Boca is playing.

Into the Cauldron

With tickets in hand, we collectively started to make our way toward the stadium. The sun was setting as we reached the first checkpoint, with police manning the gates.

You could see the hallowed stadium just a few blocks ahead, and with every checkpoint completed, you could feel the anticipation within the group rising. The chants from inside the ground began spilling out into the streets as we stepped into the bowels of the stadium for the first time.

Finally, we were in!

Welcome to the Popular

already shoulder to shoulder, locked in with thousands of others, the chants in full flow.

Fireworks and smoke machines amplified the already electric atmosphere. Goosebumps formed as the entire Estadio sang out:

“¡Boca, mi buen amigo!
Esta campaña volveremo’ a estar contigo!”

As the players entered the pitch.
God—what must it feel like for them?

Layers of Passion

It was only after the game kicked off that I managed to look around me and absorb the layers of banners draped over every inch of the stadium—each one a unique tribute to various supporter branches or fan clubs from around the world, not just Argentina.

Estudiantes de La Plata were the opposition and tried to silence the crowd early, forcing the Boca keeper into action and requiring Luis Advíncula to clear a goal-bound effort.

Edinson Cavani would miss a penalty, but it didn’t matter—Carlos Palacios finished off a beautiful move to make it 1-0. The tension of a nervy first half exploded in joy as I was literally lifted off my feet in the chaos of celebration. Then came the clincher—Miguel Merentiel rattled one home, and that was it.

Around us, fans were in sheer delirium. Some screamed. Some smiled. It was pure Argentinian passion condensed into one unforgettable moment.

Final Whistle, Final Glance

At the final whistle, the mass of fans gave the players one last rendition from the songbook, before turning to their own fan circles. Some analysed the match, others shared drinks, and many just soaked it in.

A few fans climbed the fence for one last photo opportunity, which I couldn’t resist joining, despite the ‘no climbing’ sign. Perched atop, I gazed around this magnificent space, still in disbelief at the loud, raw, and extraordinary experience I’d just been part of.

I hope to return one day—but if that was it, I can die happy knowing I’d loved every moment of my visit to La Bombonera

All our thanks to Joey Corlett.

To see more of Joey’s work, please visit joeycorlett

ou can also check out his podcast here: thejourneymenpodcast