Boca: Title Is A Reward For All Our Sacrifices

Sebastian Battaglia, the standout performer in Boca Juniors' title triumph, admitted that the squad suffered "during the year" and this was also the case when they lifted the title.

Boca were beaten 1-0 by Tigre in Avellaneda on Tuesday, but still claimed the title after having a superior goal difference to that of Tigre and San Lorenzo in the playoff.

"We put in a great effort in these last six months, and we have to enjoy it," stated Battaglia, the most consistent of all of Boca's players this season.

"We suffered today, like we have all year round, but we reached our objective," he added.

Battaglia affirmed that Boca overcame a number of obstacles to claim the championship: "Lots of things played against us, but the group always came out in front."

"There were millions of things, injuries and even the death of the president (Pedro Pompilio), but today we became the champions," he said.

Meanwhile, Paraguayan defender Claudio Morel Rodriguez, perhaps Boca's best player during the clash with Tigre, affirmed that "winning the clasico against River" steered them closer towards the title.

"Winning the clasico was fundamental. From there on we began to win many matches, and we ended up playing well in an even tournament."

Finally, Hugo Ibarra coincided with Battaglia in that Boca overcame lots of complicated moments this season.

"It (the title) is our prize for all the sacrifices we made, and all the challenges we faced. It was a horrible season for us. We experienced lots of injuries, as well as the death of Pedro (Pompilio); we dedicate this championship to his family."

Gregory Sica, Goal.com