Boca Juniors Ends Drought with Convincing Win
Boca Juniors broke the worst streak in its history without victories last Sunday, achieving a stunning 3-0 win against Independiente Rivadavia in Mendoza. Goals from Ezequiel Centurion (own goal), Exequiel Zeballos, and Alan Velasco secured this significant victory. After 12 matches without a win, the Xeneize team has now settled comfortably in the A zone of the Clausura tournament and in the annual table, establishing two routes to qualify for the Copa Libertadores 2026.
Despite the joy in Cuyano territory, Miguel Ángel Russo decided that the squad will practice in double shifts on Wednesday. Furthermore, the players will be concentrated at the Boca property after practice. The team will train again tomorrow and will be released until Friday. On Saturday, the squad will focus on their upcoming match against Banfield at the Intercontinental Hotel in Monserrat, Buenos Aires.
The coach has made efforts to reconnect players with the club’s roots, hoping to foster a strong sense of belonging. To this end, he arranged for training on the Bombonera pitch one day each week. This initiative aims to strengthen team bonds, especially after recent contract terminations and separations. Notably, Red frames, along with Cristian Lema and Marcelo Saracchi, have been removed from the professional team, further changing the squad dynamic. It’s also worth noting that the entire team traveled to Mendoza last Saturday, including some injured players.
As the team prepares for their upcoming match against Banfield, the coaching staff is evaluating adjustments to the starting eleven. Following their clash with Banfield on the sixth day of Zone A in the Clausura, Boca Juniors will face Aldosivi in Mar del Plata. This match is set for Sunday, August 31, at 14:30. Currently, both institutions and the AFA are working on enabling visiting fans to attend the José María Minenella stadium, aligning with what occurred last weekend in Mendoza.
The coaching staff has expressed positive sentiments about the team’s performance after their visit to the Mendoza venue. They are considering starting Alan Velasco from the zero minute, potentially replacing Chilean Carlos Palacios. The other position under scrutiny is in central defense, where Nicolás Figal has fully recovered from an injury. He could replace Lautaro Di Lollo, who performed adequately in Figal’s absence.
Currently, fixed positions in the lineup include Juan Barinaga and Lautaro Blanco as sides, while Marco Pellegrino occupies the central defender position after Ayrton Costa’s injury during the Club World Cup. In midfield, Leandro Paredes seems to have settled well alongside Rodrigo Battaglia, with Brian Aguirre making the most of the opportunities provided by the coach in matches against Racing and Independiente Rivadavia. The forward line continues to feature the two Uruguayans: Miguel Merentiel and Edinson Cavani. A notable name like Ander Herrera could make a comeback among the substitutes after recovering from injury, having last played in the Club World Cup against Benfica.
The expected lineup to face Banfield this Sunday (18:15) in La Bombonera would likely be: Agustín Marchesín; Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Marco Pellegrino, Lautaro Blanco; Brian Aguirre, Rodrigo Battaglia, Leandro Paredes, Carlos Palacios or Alan Velasco; Miguel Merentiel and Edinson Cavani. Nicolás Lamolina will serve as the referee for this crucial encounter.
If Boca can secure a victory, they will remain positioned to qualify for the round of 16 in the Clausura Tournament, solidifying their standing among the top three teams in the annual table, pivotal for securing a spot in the coveted 2026 Copa Libertadores. Additionally, should River Plate and/or Rosario Central falter, Boca’s accumulated points could allow them to catch up in the overall standings, making this match critical for the team’s aspirations.