Photo: EFE – Antonio Lacerda
Boca Juniors conquered the Maracanã and will play the Copa Sudamericana final in Barranquilla
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Will Boca lift the trophy in Barranquilla?
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Boca Juniors once again invoked its legendary aura. Channeling the club’s golden era, the blue‑and‑gold side triumphed 3‑1 over Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro, booking a place in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final at Barranquilla’s Metropolitano stadium. Colombian players such as Sebastián Villa, already seasoned in international finals, and Álvaro Montero featured prominently. For my money, Boca’s blend of experience and South American talent makes them the team to beat.
Meanwhile, Marino Hinestroza attempted to replace Colombian midfielder Carlos Andrés Gómez, who had assisted Vasco’s 1‑0 win at La Bombonera before being sent off. The former Atlético Nacional man failed to shine, ending the match with a heated exchange with Argentine players. Remember, Hinestroza nearly joined Boca in January.
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First half of Boca Juniors at the Maracanã
Just four minutes in, Boca levelled the tie when Lautaro Di Lollo rose at the edge of the box from a corner, headed the cross into the net, delighting the 4,000 Boca fans who travelled to Brazil.
As the first half seemed to close, Miguel Merentiel found himself alone in front of goal after a long pass from Sebastián Villa. The Argentine striker took his time and finished neatly, making it 2‑0 on the night and 2‑1 on aggregate, putting Boca in command.
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Second half of Boca Juniors in Rio de Janeiro
Despite a brilliant, composed first half from the six‑time Libertadores champions, the second period turned into a nightmare for Boca. Before and after José Luis Rodríguez Bebanz’s 65′ goal, the Argentines relied more on power than on passes or shots.
A symptom grew after the equaliser. When a penalty shoot‑out seemed likely, world‑cup champion Leandro Paredes stepped up, striking from outside the box to put Boca ahead 3‑2 on the tie.
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When is the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final?
With the final 3‑1 scoreline and a few clashes between Paredes and Brazilian players at the final whistle—an Argentine habit—Boca secured its spot in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final at Barranquilla’s Metropolitano.
The Xeneize side will await a opponent between Uruguay’s Torque and Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro, who lead the aggregate after a 3‑0 first‑leg win in Brazil. The title decider will be held in Colombia on Saturday, 21 November 2026, at the renovated Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez.
Read also: Deportivo Cali beat Nacional de Uruguay 2‑0 and moved closer to qualification
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