Boca Juniors secured a spot in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Chile's O'Higgins, despite losing 1-0 in regular time. Coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena and captain Leandro Paredes delivered a blunt self-critique, acknowledging the team's subpar display and calling for urgent improvements.
Following Boca Juniors' nail-biting penalty shootout victory over O'Higgins to advance to the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, club president Juan Román Riquelme delivered a blunt analysis of defensive lapses, praised goalkeeper Álvaro Montero, and hinted at a possible new striker signing due to injuries.
Boca Juniors secured a spot in the Round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana after a tense 4-3 penalty shootout victory over O'Higgins in Chile on July 30, 2026. Youngster Tomás Aranda missed his spot-kick after attempting a cheeky chip, but received full support from captain Leandro Paredes and celebrated the team's progression on social media.
Boca Juniors scraped into the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 after a penalty shootout win over O'Higgins, but coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena didn't hide his disappointment. Players refused to speak to official TV, earning the club a fine. With a future clash against Deportivo Recoleta, the Xeneize must improve both form and morale.
Boca Juniors advanced to the Round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana after defeating O'Higgins 4-3 in a penalty shootout. The Argentine giant lost 1-0 in regulation time, tying the aggregate score, but goalkeeper Álvaro Montero's heroics and a decisive strike by Lautaro Blanco secured their spot to face Paraguay's Deportivo Recoleta.
With a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, Boca Juniors face O'Higgins this Thursday in Rancagua, Chile, for the Copa Sudamericana playoffs. Arruabarrena's side, still smarting from a heavy league defeat, aims to secure a spot in the round of 16 with the return of key players like Leandro Paredes and Sebastián Villa.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
