Benedetto Sparks Controversy With Fans and Teammate During Heavy Defeat

Darío Benedetto found himself at the center of controversy during Olimpia’s crushing 4-0 loss to Vélez in the Copa Libertadores, according to TyC Sports. The Argentine striker reacted angrily both toward the home fans and a teammate, in a match that quickly turned into a nightmare for the Paraguayan side.

The first incident came in the 75th minute when Benedetto was substituted with his team trailing 3-0. As he walked off the pitch, the former Boca Juniors striker turned toward the crowd and made provocative gestures—signaling for silence and gesturing for fans to "stop talking." The response came after he had been targeted by angry chants from the stands at Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

Earlier in the match, tension was already brewing. Just minutes after kickoff, Benedetto took a speculative shot from distance that sailed high and wide. When a teammate criticized him for not passing, the forward lashed out with visible frustration, shouting and hurling insults in return.

On the field, Vélez took full advantage of Olimpia’s disarray. Braian Romero netted twice, including one from the penalty spot, while young prospect Maher Carrizo and Francisco Pizzini added to the tally. The result places Vélez firmly at the top of Group H, while Olimpia faces growing pressure—not only from poor results but also from internal conflicts.

Benedetto’s gestures and outbursts have now become a focal point of the fallout, raising questions about team unity and discipline as the Libertadores campaign moves forward.