Tejera to Referee Universidad Católica vs. Boca Libertadores Opener
SANTIAGO, Chile – As Boca Juniors prepares for its 2026 Copa Libertadores campaign, the club now knows who will be overseeing their opening match. Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera has been appointed to officiate the Group D clash against Universidad Católica in Santiago, Chile, on April 7th. Tejera will be assisted by his compatriot, Christian Ferreyra, who will serve as the VAR official for the contest.
The appointment comes following the recent draw that placed Boca in a challenging Group D alongside Cruzeiro of Brazil, Universidad Católica, and Barcelona of Ecuador. This opening fixture marks the start of a demanding schedule for Los Xeneizes, as they aim to advance from the group stage and compete for South America’s most prestigious club title.
Match Officials Confirmed
Beyond Tejera and Ferreyra, the full officiating crew includes Nicolás Tarán and Martín Soppi as assistant referees, with Andrés Matonte and Agustín Berisso completing the team. The confirmation of the officials provides clarity as Boca finalizes its preparations for the match at Universidad Católica’s stadium.
Boca’s Grueling April Schedule
The match against Universidad Católica is just the first in a busy April for Boca Juniors. Following the Libertadores opener, the team will return to domestic action, facing Independiente on April 10th at La Bombonera. A quick turnaround sees them hosting Barcelona on April 14th, also at their home stadium. Perhaps the most anticipated match of the month is the Superclásico against River Plate on April 19th in Núñez.
The schedule doesn’t relent, with a trip to face Defensa y Justicia on April 24th. Boca then embarks on a stretch of four consecutive away matches, traveling to Cruzeiro in Brazil on April 28th and then to Central Córdoba in Santiago on May 2nd. They’ll then face Barcelona in Ecuador on May 5th before returning home to host Cruzeiro on May 19th and Universidad Católica on May 28th.
Financial Boost for Boca Juniors
Away from the pitch, Boca Juniors has reportedly received a significant financial windfall. According to reports, Talleres will reimburse Boca $2.5 million USD that was advanced before 2019 for a potential transfer of Cristian Pavón that ultimately did not materialize. Negotiations are ongoing regarding the payment terms, with Boca reportedly seeking payment in US dollars while Talleres prefers to pay in Argentine pesos.
This unexpected revenue provides a boost to Boca’s transfer budget as they look to strengthen their squad for both the domestic season and the Copa Libertadores. The funds could be crucial in securing new talent to bolster their chances of success in both competitions.
What’s Next for Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors will continue their preparations for the Copa Libertadores opener against Universidad Católica. The team will be focused on adapting to the Chilean conditions and finalizing their tactical approach for the match. Fans will be eager to notice how coach Úbeda approaches the game and which players he selects for the starting lineup.
The match against Universidad Católica is set to kick off on Tuesday, April 7th at 9:30 PM local time. This marks the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling Copa Libertadores campaign for Boca Juniors, and fans will be hoping for a strong start to the competition.
Boca’s participation in the Copa Libertadores 2026 is part of a broader competition featuring 47 teams from ten South American countries. The tournament culminates in the Copa Intercontinental FIFA 2026 for the winning team, along with qualification for the Recopa Sudamericana 2027 and the Copa Libertadores 2027. The ultimate goal for many of these clubs is to reach the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of Boca Juniors’ Copa Libertadores journey and all the latest developments from the world of South American football.
