An alternative Boca Juniors lineup defeated Central Córdoba 3-1 at La Bombonera, with standout performances from foreign players who capitalized on their rare starting opportunities in the Torneo Clausura.
Romero Leads the Way With a Brace
Paraguayan forward Ángel Romero seized his first start of the semester by scoring two goals and orchestrating a dynamic attacking display. According to match reports, Romero logged 70 valuable minutes after spending most of the campaign coming off the bench. His performance included a decisive recovery and an incisive pass to Dylan Gorosito that helped spark the second goal. Manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena praised the forward’s work rate in a post-match press conference, noting that Romero trains intensely and deserved his chance on the right flank alongside Enner Valencia.
Chilean Midfielders Make Their Case
Chilean internationals Williams Alarcón and Carlos Palacios also used the fixture to solidify their standings within the squad. Alarcón operated as a central midfielder, showing improved positioning and distributing more progressive passes than in previous outings. Meanwhile, compatriot Carlos Palacios acted as the team’s primary link between midfield and attack, orchestrating play across multiple zones. According to club reporting, it marked Palacios’s first start of 2026 following a series of injuries that disrupted his early season.
Valencia Nets First Goal for the Club
Enner Valencia added to the positive evening by scoring his first goal in a Boca Juniors shirt, becoming the first Ecuadorian player to net a competitive goal for the club. Despite some early struggles and erratic moments, Valencia maintained an active presence in pressing and recovering possession. The strike provides a timely confidence boost for the center-forward as he establishes himself as the primary alternative in Arruabarrena’s central attacking rotation.
Upcoming Fixtures and Squad Management
With domestic league points secured, Boca Juniors turns its attention toward continental competition. The squad prepares for a high-stakes encounter against San Paulo at the Morumbí stadium, followed by the conclusion of the Torneo Clausura regular season and the upcoming Copa Argentina quarterfinals. Arruabarrena indicated that squad depth remains vital as fixture congestion mounts across multiple tournaments.
Worth a look
