Copa Sudamericana Preview: Boca Juniors Host O'Higgins at La Bombonera for Crucial First Leg
Boca Juniors host Chilean side O'Higgins at La Bombonera in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 32 playoffs. Following their early exit from the Copa Libertadores, the Argentine giants look to salvage their continental campaign under new management, while a confident O'Higgins seek a crucial away result.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This match marks the first leg of the 2026 CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana playoff round of 32. Boca Juniors dropped into this tournament after a disappointing Copa Libertadores group stage run, finishing third in Group D. This poor campaign led to the dismissal of head coach Claudio Úbeda and the return of Rodolfo Arruabarrena. Conversely, Chile's O'Higgins secured their playoff berth by finishing second in their Sudamericana group. The aggregate winner of this two-legged tie will advance to the Round of 16 to face Paraguay's Recoleta FC.
Recent Form
Boca Juniors have struggled for consistency in recent months. A critical 0-1 home defeat to Universidad Católica in their final Copa Libertadores match sealed their exit and triggered the recent coaching shakeup. Under Arruabarrena, the team is desperate for a solid performance to restore fan confidence. O'Higgins, managed by Lucas Bovaglio, arrive in Buenos Aires in high spirits after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Ñublense in the Copa Chile. Though they finished second behind São Paulo in the group stage, they have proven to be a difficult side to break down.
Key Players & Injury News
Boca Juniors have registered marquee signings Álvaro Montero and Sebastián Villa. Additionally, midfielder Leandro Paredes has re-joined the squad and could feature. On the downside, defender Leandro Lozano and forward Carlos Palacios are ruled out with injuries, meaning youngsters Dylan Gorosito and Gonzalo Gelini are expected to start. For O'Higgins, goalkeeper Omar Carabalí will need to be in peak form to withstand the host's pressure. Offensively, the Chilean side will rely on the creativity of Martín Sarrafiore and the pace of winger Bastián Yáñez on the counter.