Boca Juniors qualified on Tuesday for the Copa Sudamericana 2026 after beating Vasco da Gama 3-1 in the second‑leg at Rio’s Maracanã Stadium.
In the decisive Barranquilla showdown they await Atlético Mineiro or Montevideo City Torque as opponents.
The Argentine side surged ahead in the fourth minute when Lautaro Di Lollo headed home, equalising the tie after the 1-0 victory secured by Vasco da Gama last week in Buenos Aires.
The 0-2 that widened the gap for Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side came in the 34th minute, a sharp counter‑attack finished by Miguel Merentiel. For my money, Arruabarrena’s tactics paid off.
Photo: AFP
The visitors equalised the aggregate in the 66th minute after a strong cross‑shot found the net inside José Luis Rodríguez’s area.
However, in the 88th minute world‑cup midfielder Leandro Paredes unleashed a mid‑range strike that sealed the 1-3 win.
Boca Juniors will face the victor of the Atlético Mineiro and Montevideo City Torque showdown in the final on 21 November in Barranquilla.
The Brazilians hold a 3-0 advantage, and the return match will be played on Wednesday in Montevideo. Will they keep the edge in the final?