Boca Juniors eyes a Libertadores return with strategic squad changes ahead of Racing clash
After advancing from the round of 16 on penalties against Nacional, Boca Juniors now sets its sights on Racing Club, with a plan to rotate the squad in pursuit of a coveted Libertadores crown. The second half of the season for Boca is clearly defined by a single, bold objective: win a seventh Libertadores title. The club has not lifted the trophy since 2007, coming agonizingly close on several occasions. Having taken the first decisive step by defeating Nacional de Montevideo on penalties, Boca prepares for a classic quarterfinal duel against Racing, a fixture steeped in history and rivalry.
Boca Juniors’ verified squad list for the Copa Libertadores campaign remains a focal point as the tournament progresses. Under CONMEBOL regulations, teams that reach the round of 16 can undergo three additional changes in good faith, supplementing the five alterations permitted earlier in the knockout stage. In Boca’s case, the entering players included Edinson Cavani, Lucas Blondel, Lucas Janson, Jorman Campuzano, and Aaron Anselmino, who replaced Óscar Romero, Martín Payero, Luis Vázquez, Juan Pablo Cabaña, and Rodrigo Montes, among others, as the club recalibrated its options for the next phase of the competition.
Recent transfer activity and the market signals indicate two players ready to join the squad and be considered for the remaining knockout rounds. Marcelo Saracchi is expected to slot in on the left side of defense, bringing versatility and a different balance to the back line. Ezequiel Bullaude is also in line to add attacking depth, having joined in the window shortly after the round of 16 selections closed. The club faces a practical question: will a third reinforcement be registered ahead of the Saturday kickoff, well within the 72-hour window before the quarterfinals?
On paper, Boca has discussed reinforcing central midfield and central defense to complement the core group that includes Sergio Rojo and central defender Victor Valdez, especially as the club weighs options after sales and squad rotations. At present, there are no confirmed negotiations active, suggesting a measured approach focused on squad balance rather than rapid, unplanned additions.
The tactical plan for the quarterfinals centers on exploiting Racing’s weaknesses while preserving the club’s own strengths. Boca’s coaching staff emphasizes compact defending, quick transitions, and a flexible attacking shape capable of adapting to different phases of play. Each decision about reinforcements is weighed against sporting merit, budget discipline, and the strategic goal of building a squad that can sustain a deep run in the competition and challenge for the title in the long term. Sources familiar with the club’s thinking indicate that the focus remains on delivering performance on the field rather than signaling intent through heavy, high-cost acquisitions.
As the matchups tighten, fans and analysts alike will be watching how Boca balances immediate impact with future potential. The path to a seventh Libertadores title remains steep, but the club’s blend of experienced leaders and emerging talents is designed to maximize its chances across the demanding knockout rounds. The ongoing developments will continue to unfold in the weeks ahead, with the quarterfinals setting the tone for Boca’s campaign in South America’s premier club competition.
Attribution: Goal