Boca Juveniles asserted themselves with authority over Platense at La Bombonera and now they head to Liniers carrying two restored pieces who still face competition for a guaranteed spot in the lineup.
The plan was clear: win again and do it convincingly. Sunday’s 3-1 triumph over Platense came on a day charged with emotion due to Martín Palermo’s return to La Bombonera. Yet the most talked-about performance belonged to Hugo Ibarra, who steered a side that, while not dazzling at every moment, displayed sharp passing and owned the tempo for long stretches, turning the game’s momentum in Buenos Aires’ favor despite a temporary equalizer that interrupted a promising run.
Next up is a vital test at the Jose Amalfitani against Vélez Sarsfield, scheduled for Saturday at 9:30 pm. The clash also serves as a prelude to the looming Argentine Super Cup showdown, slated for Wednesday, March 1, where the club may meet the Board of Trustees. Early signs hint that the coach will not prioritize a cautious approach, signaling an intent to pursue a strong, assertive stance for the final.
CALLED UP FOR MATCHDAY
This week sees Boca’s squad bolstered by the return of several players who had been sidelined. Dario Benedetto comes back for the first time in league play after serving a four-match ban in the Champions Trophy, a sanction he has now cleared. Another key return is Sebastian Villa, who rejoined the squad after missing a single date due to suspension, having previously left the field against Talleres in controversy.
The main absences remain tied to injuries, with Nicolas Orsini sidelined by a muscle tear and Exequiel Zeballos recovering from knee surgery. The return of Benedetto and Villa changes the attacking dynamics, but their recent form has not mirrored peak levels. The team has to balance ambition with consistency, ensuring the attackers compete effectively with Langoni and Merentiel who have earned strong support from the fanbase.
LINEUP DISCUSSION
Fresh on everyone’s mind is the reintegration of Benedetto and Villa, which is positive news for Ibarra. Yet neither has been at top form for an extended period, and the forward who wears the iconic number 9 has faced off-field distractions that complicated preparations. With Benedetto and Villa pressing to reclaim starting roles, Langoni and Merentiel pose a credible challenge and have already found favor with the supporters.
The left-back position adds another layer of selection drama. The coach opted to give Fabra a breather, prompting Agustín Sández to step in and deliver a solid shift. The choice will require a final assessment throughout the week, although the central midfield pairing between Varela and Equi continued to deliver the control many expected and was a bright spot in the last outing.
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