Boca Juniors Eyes Semifinal Berth in Copa Sudamericana Quarterfinal Return Leg Against San Pablo
Boca Juniors is one win away from the Copa Sudamericana semifinals. With a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg at La Bombonera, Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side travels to São Paulo’s Estádio do Morumbí on Tuesday for the return matchup against San Pablo. Kickoff is scheduled for 21:30 local time, broadcast on DSports, with Uruguayan referee Pablo Tejera officiating.
A Full Week of Recovery Gives Arruabarrena Flexibility
The extra preparation time since the first-leg victory has allowed the coach to rotate most of his squad without compromising the result. Only Lautaro Blanco started in the previous match, while Santiago Ascacíbar gained valuable minutes as a substitute. The rest of the squad enjoyed a full week of recovery following the narrow week-old win.
The most significant change heading into the return leg is the return of Milton Delgado. The 21-year-old midfielder overcame a muscle strain that sidelined him for Boca’s previous four matches and will take the place of Tomás Belmonte, who established himself as a reliable option in the center of the park during the absence.
Defensive Consolidation and Midfield Balance
In the backline, Facundo Herrera has been confirmed as the starting center-back, edging out Marco Pellegrino for the spot. Herrera will need to maintain his form when Ayrton Costa returns to full fitness following a muscle strain sustained during the match against Racing. The defensive quartet is completed by Leandro Lozano at right back, Lautaro Di Lollo alongside him, and Blanco on the left.
The midfield trio of Leandro Paredes, Ascacíbar, and the returning Delgado offers the blend of defensive solidity, physicality, and creative release that has underpinned Boca’s campaign. Paredes anchors the engine room while his two companions provide energy and distribution around him.
Up front, Alan Velasco retains his place after a marked improvement in recent appearances, offering a different profile from alternative Tomás Aranda. Miguel Merentiel and Leonel Flores are expected to lead the attack, with Flores having edged out Sebastián Villa in the competition for the forward role.
Expected Starting Lineup
Álvaro Montero; Leandro Lozano, Lautaro Di Lollo, Facundo Herrera, Lautaro Blanco; Santiago Ascacíbar, Leandro Paredes, Milton Delgado, Alan Velasco; Miguel Merentiel, Leonel Flores. Head coach: Rodolfo Arruabarrena.
Match Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Kickoff | 21:30 (local time) |
| Television | DSports |
| Referee | Pablo Tejera (URU) |
| Venue | Estádio do Morumbí, São Paulo |
| First Leg | Boca 1 – 0 San Pablo (La Bombonera) |
With nearly all starters available and the first-leg lead in hand, Boca arrives in Brazil with momentum. The challenge will be maintaining defensive discipline on the road while looking to extend their advantage against a San Pablo side that will need to score at least twice to force extra time. A clean sheet or a single-goal victory would send Arruabarrena’s squad through to the semifinals and keep alive their push for the first continental title of the campaign.
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