Boca Juniors’ Libertadores Final Lineup Surprise: Úbeda’s Gambles Before Clásico del Fútbol
SANTIAGO, Chile — Claudio Úbeda arrived at the Copa Libertadores final with a problem: How to replace the injured Miguel Merentiel without destabilizing Boca Juniors’ attacking rhythm. His solution? Two tactical surprises that could define the matchup against Universidad Católica.
The 32-year-old coach, known for his pragmatic approach to South American football, has reshaped Boca’s lineup for Saturday’s final (10:00 AM local time / 13:00 UTC) at Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo. With the stakes higher than any Boca final since 2003, Úbeda’s selections tell a story of calculated risk-taking in a tournament where every decision carries weight.
The Two Surprises: A Midfield Overhaul
Úbeda’s biggest gambles center on two positional changes:
- Javier Pérez’s return to the starting XI after a two-match absence, replacing the injured Merentiel in central midfield. The 28-year-old’s physicality and passing range (78% accuracy in Libertadores this season) will be crucial against Católica’s high press.
- Lucas Alario’s shift to a deeper-lying role alongside Darío Benedetto, creating a double-pivot that mirrors Boca’s 2023 semifinal run against Palmeiras.
This rearrangement forces Universidad Católica to contend with two distinct threats: Pérez’s box-to-box energy and Alario’s ability to dictate tempo from deeper positions—a role he mastered during his time at West Ham.
Why This Matters: The Pressing Battle Ahead
Úbeda’s changes reflect Boca’s need to neutralize Católica’s aggressive pressing system, which has forced 18 turnovers in their last five matches. The double-pivot formation aims to:
- Protect the backline (led by veteran defender Juan Pablo Carrizo) against Católica’s wingers
- Create numerical superiority in midfield during transitions
- Exploit space behind Católica’s back four through quick interchanges
Key tactical note: Boca’s fullbacks (Ronald Araújo and Santiago García) will need to provide width, as Úbeda has opted against the traditional wing-backs approach used against River Plate in the semifinals.
Merentiel’s Absence: The Domino Effect
Miguel Merentiel’s season-ending anterior cruciate ligament tear (confirmed by Boca’s medical staff) removes the tournament’s top assist provider (8 goals, 12 assists in Libertadores). His absence:
- Eliminates Boca’s primary set-piece threat (7 of his goals came from corners)
- Forces Úbeda to rely on Darío Benedetto‘s (31) free-kick ability
- Shifts defensive responsibility to Nicolás Blandi, who starts in Merentiel’s place
Católica’s defense, led by Gonzalo Jara, will target the new midfielders’ defensive frailties. Pérez’s defensive work rate (1.8 tackles per 90) and Blandi’s aerial dominance (12 headed clearances this season) will be tested immediately.
Context: Boca’s Final History and the Chilean Factor
This is Boca’s 10th Libertadores final, with their last victory coming in 2003 against Santos. However, their 2023 semifinal defeat to Palmeiras (1-2 aggregate) serves as a cautionary tale about overconfidence in Santiago’s altitude (2,538 feet / 774 meters).
Católica, meanwhile, plays at home for the first time in a Libertadores final since 1993. Their 3-1 aggregate win over Independiente in the semifinals demonstrated their ability to handle high-pressure moments—though they’ll need to contain Boca’s counterattacks, which have scored 42% of their goals in this tournament.
What to Watch: Three Match-Winning Moments
- The First 20 Minutes: Both teams will probe for weaknesses. Look for how quickly Boca’s double-pivot can transition from defense to attack.
- Set Pieces (30th-60th Minute): With Merentiel gone, Boca’s ability to convert corners will determine their goal-scoring chances. Católica’s defense will target Darío Benedetto and Darwin Núñez in the box.
- Late Game (75th Minute Onward): Úbeda often substitutes for fresh legs. Watch for Lucas Viatri‘s potential introduction to add a third striker.
After the Final: What’s Next for Both Teams
Victory in this final would secure:
- Boca’s 7th Libertadores title and immediate qualification for the 2027 FIFA Club World Cup
- Católica’s first international trophy since 1993, with domestic implications for Chilean football’s global standing
Schedule Note: The winner will face the 2026 AFC Champions League champion in the Club World Cup (November 2026 in Japan). The loser will enter the 2027 Copa Libertadores as the defending champion.
Key Questions Answered
Q: How does Boca’s double-pivot formation compare to their semifinal approach?
A: Against River Plate, Úbeda used wing-backs to stretch play. This time, the double-pivot sacrifices width for defensive solidity—reflecting Boca’s need to contain Católica’s wingers Matías Rodríguez and Sebastián Soria.
Q: What are Católica’s biggest weaknesses?
A: Their defensive transitions (only 1.2 clearances per 90 in the last five matches) and set-piece defense (conceded 3 goals from corners this season). Boca’s new midfielders will need to exploit both.
Q: Could this be Úbeda’s last major match as Boca coach?
A: Speculation persists, but Úbeda has a contract through December 2026. A title win would likely extend his tenure, while defeat could accelerate discussions about his future.
How to Follow the Final
Official Broadcast: ESPN+, DAZN, and Fox Sports Latin America will carry the match live. CONMEBOL’s official stream is available in 200+ territories.
Next Update: Post-match tactical analysis will be published within 30 minutes of the final whistle. Follow ArchySport for real-time reactions and player interviews.
Your Turn: Which tactical change do you think will have the biggest impact? Share your predictions in the comments below.
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