Boca Juniors advances to Copa Sudamericana final after defeating Vasco da Gama

Boca Juniors secured its spot in the Copa Sudamericana final following a 3-1 victory over Vasco da Gama in Brazil, successfully overturning the semifinal series. Head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that his squad delivered a convincing performance across both legs of the matchup.

"They have played a very good match in my opinion, deserving to go through to the final over both games," Arruabarrena said, highlighting the team's ability to control the pace and capitalize on scoring opportunities. He noted that the squad understood how to approach the fixture and avoided the early pressure they experienced during the first leg at the Bombonera.

A major talking point surrounding the match was the decision to leave team captain Leandro Paredes on the bench at kickoff. Paredes returned to action only eleven days after suffering a grade two hamstring tear in his right leg, a recovery timeline accelerated through a platelet-rich plasma treatment involving microinfiltrations.

Despite starting among the substitutes, the midfielder proved decisive by scoring the goal that sealed the qualification. Arruabarrena acknowledged that the choice was difficult given the circumstances of the past week. "I honestly understood that it was the ideal moment to enter in the second half, with the rival team's wear and tear and more fatigue. The important thing is that he did not feel anything. I know the effort he made, we have talked a lot, but he is a captain, a leader and he has demonstrated it today, pulling off the goal," the coach explained.

With a demanding calendar ahead featuring multiple competitions including the Clausura tournament, Copa Argentina, and upcoming domestic classics, the coaching staff is designing a careful physical management plan for Paredes. After returning to Argentina, Arruabarrena planned to discuss a potential rest period for the upcoming match against Independiente to ensure the captain is fully fit for the superclásico against River Plate on November 1 at the Bombonera.

The tactical strategy could involve naming Paredes to the bench against Independiente without deploying him unless an emergency arises. This approach is supported by the return of Rodrigo Battaglia, who recently featured in a match against Talleres and delivered a strong defensive performance against Vasco da Gama after a ten-month absence, making him a viable option to start in Avellaneda.

Further roster management decisions are anticipated as Boca continues its pursuit of multiple titles before the conclusion of 2026. Potential rest for Paredes is also under consideration for the final fixture of the Clausura group stage against Defensa y Justicia, ahead of the Copa Argentina semifinal against Banfield scheduled for November 14 in Mendoza.