(VIDEO) Sao Paulo vs Boca Juniors | Copa Sudamericana Quarterfinals

Boca Juniors drew 1-1 with São Paulo at the Morumbí and made their first-leg advantage at La Bombonera count to secure a place in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals, where they will face Vasco da Gama.

Boca Juniors secured their place in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals on Tuesday after earning a 1-1 draw away against São Paulo, a result that allowed them to capitalize on their 1-0 victory in the first leg at La Bombonera.

Leandro Lozano opened the scoring for the Argentine side in the 60th minute, while Domingos Duarte equalized in the 89th. The Portuguese defender's goal added drama to the final minutes, but it came too late to prevent the Brazilian side from being eliminated.

Boca Control the Match at the Morumbí

Despite needing to overturn the deficit, São Paulo struggled to impose themselves for much of the first half. Dorival Júnior's side started with a five-man defensive line, allowing Boca Juniors to have a greater presence in midfield.

The Brazilian side also felt the absence of Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri, who was unavailable due to suspension. Constant mistakes when playing out from the back frustrated the home supporters, particularly after several errors from Robert Arboleda.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena's team, meanwhile, managed the tempo without taking too many risks. Leandro Lozano and Lautaro Blanco were the players who most frequently looked to push forward.

Before halftime, São Paulo came close to opening the scoring with a headed effort that was denied through a combination of Álvaro Montero and the crossbar.

Leandro Lozano Seals the Series

Needing a goal, Dorival Júnior made changes for the second half, introducing Djhordney in place of Danielzinho. São Paulo increased the intensity, with Marcos Antônio attempting to create more danger in attack.

However, it was Boca Juniors who struck. In the 60th minute, Leandro Lozano took advantage of space between the defenders, outran Domingos Duarte and finished past Rafael to make it 1-0.

Ryan Francisco managed to find the net for the hosts, but VAR ruled out the goal for an offside against Luciano earlier in the play. Domingos Duarte eventually equalized with a header in the 89th minute, but there was not enough time to complete the comeback.

Boca Juniors therefore secured their place in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals, where they will face Vasco da Gama, who previously eliminated Independiente Santa Fe.