Boca Juniors is currently facing a tumultuous period following the tragic passing of coach Miguel Ángel Russo. This loss was compounded by a disappointing defeat against Belgrano at their home ground, La Bombonera. The team’s situation worsened with a combination of results on Monday, pushing Boca outside the top eight of Group A in the Torneo Clausura 2025, thereby jeopardizing their chances of qualifying for the CONMEBOL Libertadores through the annual table. Now, head coach Claudio Ubeda has outlined his starting lineup for an upcoming away match against Barracas Central, where a positive result is essential.
The matchup against Barracas had originally been postponed due to the mourning of Russo, but the Professional Football League has rescheduled it for Monday, October 27, at 16:00. Boca also faced challenges with their key players; the FIFA date had sidelined Leandro Paredes, but this delay has now allowed him to return. Paredes had a difficult outing against Belgrano, contributing an own goal leading to the team’s defeat.
Moreover, Paredes is currently at risk of suspension, having received a fourth yellow card, which places additional pressure on him and the team as they prepare for not only the Barracas match but also a critical upcoming clash against Estudiantes in La Plata, and vital home games against River Plate and Tigre as they strive for Libertadores qualification.
In terms of injuries, Boca will be without Alan Velasco for the remainder of the tournament due to injury, providing Carlos Palacios an opportunity to start instead of Kevin Zenón. The team has faced further setbacks, as Rodrigo Battaglia suffered a left soleus tear during practice and is now expected to miss the Superclásico. Edinson Cavani remains sidelined, focusing on rehabilitation, and is expected to make his return during the match against Estudiantes. Meanwhile, Brian Aguirre missed practice due to illness but has recovered, though he will not start against Barracas.
On a brighter note, Milton Delgado has returned to training after a promising stint at the U-20 World Cup with Argentina and will feature in the starting lineup in place of Battaglia. Additionally, Williams Alarcón is set to start, replacing Aguirre, indicating a strategic shift for Boca as they navigate through this challenging period.
As it stands, Boca Juniors finds themselves in ninth place in Group A of the local league, behind teams like Racing, Barracas, and Tigre, while also falling to fifth place in the annual table thanks to Deportivo Riestra’s rise.
The starting formation for Boca against Barracas will include: Agustín Marchesín; Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Williams Alarcón, Milton Delgado, Leandro Paredes, Carlos Palacios; Milton Giménez, and Miguel Merentiel. With determination and resilience, Boca aims to overcome these challenges and secure vital points in the coming matches.