Boca Juniors claimed a crucial 1-0 home victory over Chile’s O'Higgins on Thursday in the first leg of the 2026 Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana playoffs.

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Boca Juniors regained confidence after their Copa Libertadores elimination, defeating O'Higgins 1-0 at La Bombonera in the first leg of the 2026 CONMEBOL Sudamericana playoffs. The victory gives the Argentine giants a narrow advantage as they continue their quest to win the tournament for the first time since 2005.

The match also marked Rodolfo Arruabarrena's first international game in his second spell as Boca head coach, while Leandro Paredes made his first appearance since Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.

The only goal came in the 44th minute, when Miguel Merentiel finished calmly after a brilliant through ball from Leandro Paredes, beating goalkeeper Omar Carabalí to give Boca the lead.

Paredes and Montero Lead Boca to Victory

O'Higgins started the match on the front foot, creating dangerous chances through Martín Sarrafiore, Bryan Rabello, Francisco González, Luis Pavez, and Alan Robledo.

However, goalkeeper Álvaro Montero, making his official debut after replacing the injured Agustín Marchesín, produced several key saves to keep Boca in the match.

As the game progressed, Leandro Paredes took control of midfield. The 2022 World Cup champion responded to recent criticism with an influential display, dictating the tempo and providing the decisive assist for Merentiel's winning goal.

Everything Still to Play for in the Return Leg

Boca pushed for a second goal after the break, with Paredes threatening from a free kick and Santiago Ascacíbar going close with a header, but the hosts were unable to extend their lead.

O'Higgins also created opportunities on the counterattack, only to be denied once again by an outstanding Montero.

With the 1-0 victory, Boca Juniors will travel to Rancagua holding a slim advantage, while O'Higgins must overturn the deficit at home on July 30 to keep its Copa Sudamericana hopes alive.

The winner of the series will advance to the Round of 16, where Paraguay's Recoleta awaits with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.

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