Boca Juniors storms the Maracanã despite a deficit. After a 1‑0 first‑leg loss at La Bombonera, the Argentine giant needed a comeback in one of football’s iconic arenas. Early in the first half they stunned Vasco da Gama with two spectacular strikes to lead 2‑0.
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Thus, Boca Juniors pushed the aggregate to 2‑1 while Vasco’s defensive lapses showed, and the visitors looked fitter, pressing high and exposing the Rio team, whose fans offered little support.
It ranks among the Argentine club’s great feats. Lautaro Di Lollo gave Xeneize the lead just four minutes in, nodding a measured header from a corner taken by Lautaro Blanco on the left. For my money, Di Lollo’s early header was the turning point.
Not long after, around the half‑hour mark, Sebastián Villa found Miguel Merentiel alone and the striker finished with a precise touch. It marked the Uruguayan’s 65th goal wearing the blue‑gold shirt.
#Sports | Sebastián Villa dazzles in the Sudamericana with a magical assist, celebrated by Boca Juniors https://t.co/ZEkqkRRxpo— Revista Semana (@RevistaSemana) October 21, 2026
Uruguayan midfielder José Luis Rodríguez could have scored for Vasco, sparking life in the tie and leveling it at 2‑2. The hosts kept pressing, but Boca displayed skill on the ball and extended the lead with a thunderous strike from Leandro Paredes, sealing their place in the final to be held on November 23 at Barranquilla’s ‘Supermetro’.
After winning in 2004 and 2005, Boca became the first Argentine side to reach three Sudamericana finals and now awaits a showdown between Atlético Mineiro and Uruguay’s City Torque.
Barranquilla gears up for the final. Will the new stadium give the host city a lasting boost?
Barranquilla prepares to host the ‘Supermetro’, touted as one of Colombia’s most significant infrastructure projects of the year. Completion is expected early November, after which CONMEBOL will take control for the Sudamericana final venue.
A massive effort has unfolded throughout 2026, accelerating this October. Reports are encouraging; final touches focus on lighting, tech, screens, turf and seating.
Alejandro Domínguez, CONMEBOL president, visits Barranquilla’s Metropolitano stadium to inspect progress Photo: Provided to SEMANA
The Supermetro is projected to hold 65,000 fans, set to become the nation’s most modern arena.