Boca Juniors and Barcelona will face each other for the Maradona Cup in Saudi Arabia: time, TV and formations

From 2 p.m. (Argentine time) and 6 p.m. (Spanish time), Boca Juniors and Barcelona will be the protagonists of the Maradona Cup, a trophy that will serve to honor the Argentine star who wore the jersey of both teams in his glorious career in world football. The game can be followed by TNT Sports in Argentina and through the Barca TV application.

On October 25, just one month before the first anniversary of Diego Maradona’s death, the Catalan club made official the friendly match that it will play with Xeneize at the stadium Mrsool Park from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and which will have a capacity of about 25 thousand people.

Ahead of the duel in Saudi territory, both teams arrive at different times of the season. In the case of the group that directs Sebastián Battaglia, comes from become champion of the Argentine Cup against Talleres de Córdoba, which gave him a direct ticket to the group stage of the Copa Libertadores 2022. What’s more, in the last match for the tournament of the Professional League, Boca achieved a historic triumph: they beat Central Córdoba 8-1 in La Bombonera and celebrated Xeneize Fan Day with its audience.

Pending confirmation if the current DT and former player with the most title in the history of the institution will continue in his position next season, it is expected that the team that takes the field will be very similar to the one that played the definition against the Cordobeses in Santiago del Estero. In this way, the Xeneize would play with Agustin Rossi in the bow. In defense could be one of the modifications: the youth Eros Mancuso -he played last Saturday- would be the right back instead of the Peruvian Luis Advíncula and would accompany Carlos Izquierdoz, Marcos Rojo and Frank Fabra.

Already in the midfield area, Jorman Campuzano I would be from the start with Agustin Almendra Y Edwin cardona. The one that could come out of the starting eleven would be Juan Ramirez, who would leave his place to Cristian Medina because he has a discomfort in his left knee. In the attack, the pair would be made up of Sebastian Villa and the top scorer of the Battaglia era, Luis Vazquez.

“It is going to be a very difficult duel for the rival. We are going to drop everything. This wonderful organization and reception means a lot to us. We are very grateful, ”said DT xeneize at the pre-match press conference.

For its part, Barcelona’s present is not very encouraging. After the crisis that ended with the dismissal of the Dutch Ronald Koeman, a historical of the Catalans took over the first team: Xavi Hernandez He is the new coach who will seek to return to the club the mystique that was forged in his time as a footballer.

Recently eliminated from the group stage of the Champions League, they are in 8th position in the Spanish league. He adds 24 points and is 18 behind the leader, Real Madrid. Last weekend he drew 2-2 in his visit to Osasuna.

Before the match against the Argentine team, Xavi highlighted the value of being the protagonist of an event in recognition of Maradona. “It is an honor to be in the tribute of one of the greatest players in history,” said the Culé coach. For his part, the other who was part of the conference was the Brazilian Dani Alves, who will play his first game after signing his return to the team. “It will be special to pay tribute to one of the best in the history of football.”

According to DT himself, Barça will use the game to give minutes to those players who have not been having much action. In this way, the side could be joined by his compatriot Philippe Coutinho and the former Sevilla striker Luke de Jong, among others.

The history shows that Boca is in front, with five victories against four of the Catalans. The last antecedent was in 2018 for the Joan Gamper Trophy. On that occasion, the team led by Guillermo Barros Schelotto fell 3-0 at the Camp Nou with goals from Malcom, Rafinha Alcántara and Lionel Messi.

Possible formations

Boca Juniors: Agustín Rossi; Eros Mancuso, Carlos Izquierdoz, Marcos Rojo, Frank Fabra; Agustín Almendra, Jorman Campuzano, Cristián Medina; Edwin Cardona; Sebastián Villa and Luis Vázquez. DT: Sebastián Battaglia.

Barcelona: Net; Dani Alves, Oscar Mingueza, Eric García, Alejandro Balde; Riqui Puig, Matheus Pereira, Philippe Coutinho; Yusuf Demir, Luuk de Jong, Akhomach Ilias. DT: Xavi Hernández.

Hour: 14 (Argentine time) and 18 (time in Spain)

Stadium: Mrsool Park and Riad

TV: TNT Sports y Barca TV

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