Boca Juniors is preparing for the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals against São Paulo, scheduled for Tuesday at the Morumbi stadium, with head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena planning key changes to his starting lineup. Following a 1-0 victory in the first leg at La Bombonera courtesy of a goal by Miguel Merentiel, the squad rotated effectively during a 3-1 win over Central Córdoba in the Torneo Clausura to keep key players rested.
Arruabarrena’s side aims to protect their slim aggregate lead in Brazil, where the club has not secured a victory since 2020. The technical staff welcomes back two important figures who missed recent fixtures due to injuries and personal matters, altering the tactical structure for the decisive continental matchup.
Milton Delgado Returns to Bolster the Midfield
Milton Delgado is available for selection after recovering from a muscle strain that sidelined him for the previous three matches. The return of Delgado aims to restore defensive solidity and control in the center of the pitch.
Delgado is set to line up alongside Leandro Paredes and Santiago Ascacibar in a three-man midfield structure. The tactical adjustment is designed to handle São Paulo’s pressure in a hostile environment at the Morumbi and secure the possession needed to defend the aggregate advantage.
Álvaro Montero Reclaims the Goalkeeping Spot
Goalkeeper Álvaro Montero also returns to the squad after traveling urgently to Colombia following a family bereavement. After missing the domestic fixture against Central Córdoba, Montero has completed full training sessions in Buenos Aires alongside his teammates and will reclaim his place between the posts.
Montero’s presence completes the core group of starters that Arruabarrena trusted in the opening fixture of the series.
Probable Starting XI and Tactical Outlook
With preparations concluding ahead of Monday’s travel to Brazil, the projected lineup for Boca Juniors features Álvaro Montero in goal; a back four of Leandro Lozano, Lautaro Di Lollo, Facundo Herrera, and Lautaro Blanco; a midfield trio of Santiago Ascacibar, Leandro Paredes, and Milton Delgado; with Alan Velasco, Miguel Merentiel, and Leonel Flores leading the attack.
The tactical plan relies on absorbing early pressure from São Paulo while utilizing the pace of Velasco and Flores on the flanks to support Merentiel up front. Boca will look to manage the tempo and frustrate the hosts as the match progresses toward a place in the tournament semifinals.
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