Enner Valencia's 96th-minute goal hands Boca Juniors the title, halting Rosario Central's celebrations

Drama unfolded in the final seconds of the Argentine title race when Enner Valencia scored in the 96th minute to give Boca Juniors a 1:0 win over Defensa y Justicia and secure Boca's 36th Argentine championship.

The goal arrived while thousands of kilometres away at Rosario Central's stadium, where the home supporters had already entered the pitch and begun celebrating what they believed to be the championship. Rosario Central had completed their part with a 2:0 victory over Estudiantes, and fans expected the trophy to be theirs.

Celebration cut short by last-gasp goal

As jubilation peaked in Rosario — with supporters chanting, "Come on, we're double champions!" — the news from La Bombonera changed everything. Valencia's strike in stoppage time overturned the title race and left Rosario Central as runners-up.

The winning goal was not without controversy. Players and staff from Defensa y Justicia protested forcefully to the referee, arguing that a foul had occurred at the start of the play. Their protests briefly halted play and raised hopes among Rosario fans that the decision might be overturned, but the referee upheld the goal.

Social media captured the stunned reaction in Rosario and the scenes at La Bombonera. One post noted, "The exact moment in Rosario they learned of Enner Valencia's goal. Most watching on their phones, Di María in the stands. Historic." Another summed up the end in emphatic terms: "GOAL BY ENNER VALENCIA TO GIVE BOCA A 1-0 AT THE END AND TOUCH THE TITLE! MADNESS AT LA BOMBONERA!"

Photo: Boka Juniors\/Fejsbuk