Boca Juniors Aims to Extend Dominant Home Form in Copa Libertadores Boca Juniors is set to continue its impressive run in the Copa Libertadores 2026 as it hosts Barcelona de Ecuador in a crucial Group Stage match at La Bombonera. The Xeneize, already boasting a strong start to the competition, seeks to build on its recent victory over Universidad Católica and maintain its unbeaten streak at home in the tournament. The match, scheduled for 21:00 local time, marks the second round of the group phase and carries significant weight in shaping Boca’s path to the next round. The Xeneize’s performance in La Bombonera has been nothing short of dominant. Since December 2020, Boca has not suffered a defeat in its home stadium during the Copa Libertadores, a streak that now spans 17 consecutive matches. This record includes a notable draw against Barcelona in 2021, where the teams split points 0-0. The current unbeaten run has been bolstered by a mix of victories and draws, with 9 wins and 8 draws in 17 games, showcasing the team’s resilience and tactical discipline under pressure. Boca’s recent form in the Libertadores has been a key factor in its confidence heading into this match. After a 2-1 victory over Universidad Católica in Santiago, the team is eager to extend its winning momentum. The club’s ability to perform consistently at home has been a defining trait, with fans playing a crucial role in creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. This psychological edge, combined with the tactical setup, has made La Bombonera a fortress for Boca in continental competition. The Xeneize’s home record extends beyond the Libertadores. In all CONMEBOL-organized tournaments, Boca has maintained an impressive 22-match unbeaten streak at La Bombonera, with 13 wins and 9 draws.#copa_libertadores #la_bombonera #boca_juniors #barcelona_ecuador #sebastian_battaglia
La forma de plantear los partidos de visitante es una carta muy fuerte de Barcelona SC, dice Raúl Noriega antes del partido vs. Boca Juniors por Copa Libertadores Raúl Noriega, excapitán de Barcelona Sporting Club y exjugador de Boca Juniors, analizó el duelo entre sus dos antiguos equipos en la Copa Libertadores. El encuentro, programado para el martes 14 de abril a las 19:00 en la Bombonera, será la segunda fecha del grupo D del torneo continental. Noriega, actual comentarista deportivo en JC Sports, destacó la capacidad de Barcelona SC para enfrentar partidos como visitante, una estrategia que consideró clave para su desempeño. El exfutbolista, quien jugó en Boca Juniors entre 1993 y 1994, señaló que el equipo ecuatoriano tiene una ventaja en la forma de organizar sus partidos fuera de casa. “Veo un Barcelona SC que su parte más fuerte está en la forma de plantear los partidos de visitante, es una carta muy fuerte que tiene César Farías. Si hace bien sus tareas, de seguro que tiene posibilidades ante un equipo que va a buscarlo desde el primer minuto”, afirmó Noriega. Aunque reconoció la dificultad del desafío, destacó que el club tiene la capacidad de “destruir ese fútbol” si evita errores. Noriega también evaluó el perfil de Boca Juniors, destacando la juventud de su plantilla y su evolución en el torneo. “Boca tiene varios jugadores jóvenes que están en proceso y Barcelona SC sigue sumando minutos, haciendo de cada partido una historia para adaptarse. El arma más fuerte que tiene es saber contragolpear y defenderse bien, pero pensando en ofensiva”, añadió. El exjugador subrayó la importancia de la defensa y la capacidad de reacción del equipo ecuatoriano, aunque no descartó la posibilidad de un partido intenso.#copa_libertadores #barcelona_sc #boca_juniors #raul_noriega #bombonera
Boca Juniors Set to Face Barcelona SC in Copa Libertadores Clash Boca Juniors will take on Barcelona SC in their second match of the 2026 Copa Libertadores, scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, at 21:00 local time in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, with time adjustments for Chile (20:00), Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru (19:00). The live broadcast will be available via Disney+ Premium for South American audiences. Coach Claudio Ubeda has confirmed the starting lineup, with some adjustments from the team’s previous match. According to ESPN’s Augusto César, Ubeda plans to retain the same starting XI used in their debut match against Chile, with the exception of Leandro Brey. The coach has opted for Agustín Marchesín as the goalkeeper, who has fully recovered from a recent injury and made a crucial save during the recent clash against Independiente. Marchesín’s inclusion underscores the team’s focus on defensive stability. The main uncertainty for Ubeda lies in the attacking line, where Miguel Merentiel, who had been nursing a minor injury, is expected to return to full fitness. Despite initial doubts about his availability, Merentiel performed well in the latest training session and is likely to start. Milton Giménez remains the backup option, but the Uruguayan forward’s strong showing in practice has eased concerns about his readiness. A total of 28 players have been concentrated for the match, including those who participated in the previous game against River Plate, plus Leandro Paredes, Agustín Martegani, Kevin Zenón, and Lucas Janson. Ubeda’s strategy, assuming no last-minute issues, is to maintain the same lineup for the upcoming Superclásico against River Plate on Sunday at the Monumental Stadium. This decision reflects the coach’s confidence in the current squad’s cohesion and performance.#barcelona_sc #boca_juniors #claudio_ubeda #miguel_merentiel #agustin_marchesin
