Alarm bells rang at Boca when Leandro Paredes left the clash with Instituto after just 16 minutes on the pitch. A sharp tug in his right hamstring sparked immediate worry.
Paredes entered at 55 minutes, swapping for Milton Delgado while Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side trailed 2‑1. A minute later Boca forced a 2‑2 equaliser, reviving hopes. Yet at 71′ the midfielder clutched his right rear thigh and was replaced by Santiago Ascacibar.
The footage amplified fears as Paredes grimaced on the bench, then trudged off with ice pressed to the injury. Initial reports cite a sharp pull, but the official medical report will confirm severity.
Arruabarrena had shielded him from the start, knowing the priority is the tie against Vasco da Gama. The first leg arrives Tuesday at La Bombonera, with the return a week later.
Most pressing concern is a serious muscle tear. If a rupture is confirmed, Paredes could miss both Vasco fixtures – a harsh blow for Boca at a critical juncture. For my money, his absence would cripple their midfield rhythm.
Rey Hilfer’s controversies in the Instituto‑Boca match
The opening minutes between Instituto and Boca quickly turned contentious. Leandro Rey Hilfer found himself at the center of Boca’s protests after two first‑half calls: the build‑up to Fernando Alarcón’s goal and a hard foul by Matías Gallardo on Leonel Flores that went unpunished.
That first incident unfolded at 14 minutes when Gloria struck first. A free kick awarded after a decision by Rey Hilfer sparked debate over whether a foul had actually occurred.
The main complaint arose inside the box. After a cross, Alarcón rose, using his back against Marco Pellegrino to gain height, and headed past the defender for a 1‑0 lead.
Boca players argued an offensive foul, insisting the charge enabled Alarcón’s leap. Yet Rey Hilfer upheld the goal, leaving the score untouched.
The hard tackle on Leonel Flores
The second controversy erupted moments later, featuring Matías Gallardo, son of former River coach Marcelo Gallardo.
Institute midfielder delivered a hard challenge on Leonel Flores near the sideline. The young Boca talent, a rising star, absorbed the blow while trying to continue the attack.
The Xeneizes demanded a disciplinary response, expecting at least a red card for the violent tackle. Yet Rey Hilfer refrained from even flashing a yellow.
Both incidents unfolded in rapid succession, putting the referee under intense scrutiny. First, the contested charge leading to Instituto’s goal; then the lenient handling of the foul on Flores. Rey Hilfer’s decisions quickly became the night’s focal point.