Boca Apertura Debut: Keys & Riestra Preview | Olé

The time has come, the debut that marks the first image of reality is almost upon us. For Bocaalways in the center of the scene, Riestra will not be another test on the path towards the 2026 objectives, but rather it will be the initial image that may well set the trend of expectations and general moods around the team. And for that, it is worth analyzing what has happened since Claudio Ubeda’s team was left out of the Clausura on December 7.

It is the song that marked the pulse of the entire recess for Xeneize. Astonished, the fans (and the entire football world) expected like every year – and perhaps more this time back to the Cup – a wave of names that would break the mold. However, the cannons were aimed at Marino Hinestroza, after an attempt by Miguel Borja and before beginning the novel by Alexis Cuello and Gastón Hernández: none arrived. With one signature from Ángel Romero’s confirmation, the debut will be without new faces.

The coach ended 2025 under discussion due to the change he decided in the last game against Racing, when he took out Changuito Zeballos to replace him with Alan Velasco. From there, there was silence and doubts arose about his continuity, until Juan Román Riquelme confirmed that he would continue -in principle until June- just four days before the start of the preseason.

Visibly, Ubeda’s behavior in the summer (especially in his responses after friendlies) was of a lower profile and tone than in the happiest moment of the team under his command. A good start would be very important for him and his coaching staff.

Foreseeable problem that became evident very soon. The chronic injury of Edinson Cavani and the one who left Milton Gimenez out of preseason They had an aggravating circumstance when Miguel Merentiel left the friendly match against Olimpia torn, a week before his debut.

Without any of those signed up being closed and with the youth players most suitable for the position (Valentino Simoni and Gonzalo Morales) already on loan to other clubs, The 9th in the debut will be Lucas Janson, who has not been a starter for a year and was closer to beginning to say goodbye to the club than to such a responsibility.

Not all of them are bad, however. Boca maintained the base of the team that achieved good moments and fulfilled the basic objectives (enter the Copa Libertadores, beat River in the classic) in the last part of the year. For this, the influence on and off the field of Leandro Paredes, their new captain and absolute football leader, was key.

From its validity, Boca can expect to continue growing. And furthermore, in the middle it has variants to seat Milton Delgado in the bank, including the recovery – for now – of Ander Herreraa real reinforcement if you consolidate your physical condition. In defense, he maintained everything that made him one of the most reliable in the Clausura, and above he has what until now is his revulsive key: the good level of Changuito Zeballos, today the starter and hope of the team.

Riestra is always a team to respect, and the proof – in addition to their qualification for the Copa Sudamericana and even their flirtation with the Libertadores – is the seriousness with which they always approach their commitments. Without any bright changes in the squad (except for the departure of a symbol like Milton Céliz), the continuity of Gustavo Álvarez and even the intense – and widespread – preseason on the beach appear as strengths of a team that does not give up before any battle. Until now, the only precedent between the two was also in La Bombonera and ended in a 1-1 tie, with Boca suffering to achieve that equality.

It will not be, it is clear, a simple debut or a procedure. The game itself represents a certain risk and the sensations it awakens in the fans who fill the Temple perhaps a little more. The truth is that the path will already have its first stop. And – be it as it is – for Boca the moment of truth has arrived.