Even after beating Union, Almirón remains focused on the Copa Libertadores final, a priority that shapes his decisions and keeps the regular starters fresh for the big clash against Racing. The emphasis on Libertadores preparation means the coach has managed his squad with an eye on November 4, when the decisive match against Fluminense will take place in the long-awaited final stretch of the continental competition.
For Boca Juniors, the only objective ahead is the upcoming match against Racing and the looming Libertadores final. That shows in the way Jorge Almirón balances the domestic calendar, keeping the team competitive in the league while safeguarding key players for the Libertadores journey. Even with last Sunday’s win over Union, the plan remains unchanged: the league contest is treated as a step toward securing a favorable playoff position, but the ultimate aim is to reach and win the Libertadores final, which looms as the apex of the season for the club, fans, and staff.
Looking ahead, Tuesday’s date brings another important test as Boca travels to Avellaneda to face Racing, a club that also eyed a path toward this group phase and beyond. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Cilindro de Avellaneda, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and the pressure it brings to visiting teams. It is a fixture that could shape Boca’s confidence and momentum heading into the most critical period of the campaign.
BOCA CALLS
As the season’s centerpiece looms, Almirón’s worries and plans grow more concrete. The only player officially unavailable for the upcoming match is Marco Rojo due to a red card, though he left the Union clash with an overload and lingering questions about his readiness for the next challenge. In contrast, Nicolas Figal appears ready to return after being kept off the lineup in recent days, and Luis Advínula is stepping back in after a short FIFA break, adding experience and pace to the backline and attack respectively.
The coaching directive seems to favor a largely alternative lineup for the league fixtures, with some regular starters possibly not even called up on Monday after training sessions. This approach keeps the core fresh while still ensuring competitive match practice for players who might be required to contribute heavily in the pivotal Libertadores run.
THE MOUTH FORMATION
For the past fortnight, Almirón has sculpted a plan that balances rest and rhythm. The aim is to preserve top contributors for the key test against Racing while allowing a core group to gain match fitness through domestic duties. This strategy is designed so the starters can come into the cup showdown with optimal sharpness, minimizing the risk of fatigue or rust from a layoff during the calendar’s quieter stretches.
At center stage, Nicolás Valentini has emerged as a central candidate to replace Rojo if needed. Valentini presents a rare blend: a left-footed option capable of pairing with Nicolás Figal in central defense. The alternative path would see youth talent stepping in, including a young player who has trained with the first team since his Aldosivi days, potentially earning a start against Racing and reinforcing Boca’s defensive structure for the high-stakes contest that follows.
What will the starting XI look like? One feasible lineup includes: Javier García in goal; Weigandt, Bruno Valdez, Valentini, Saracchi in the back four; Advíncula and Campuzano anchoring the midfield with Taborda and Bullaude dictating tempo; Janson and Benedetto leading the line with creativity and goal threat. This is a blueprint that balances defensive solidity with attacking potential, a mix designed to weather the intensity of a late-season push and to capitalize on home and away dynamics as the Libertadores campaign accelerates.