Xeneize one step from the last 16: Úbeda's sums for La Bombonera

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·22. April 2026

Xeneize one step from the last 16: Úbeda's sums for La Bombonera

The 1-0 victory over River, with that Leandro Paredes penalty still being celebrated in La Ribera, was not only a key emotional boost, but also left Claudio Úbeda’s team one step away from the round of 16. With 24 points and sitting in third place in Zone A, the Xeneize has everything in place to punch its ticket as early as this week.

The math for the fans is very simple: if Boca draws or wins this Thursday against Defensa y Justicia in Florencio Varela, it will already be qualified. A draw would leave it with 25 points, a total out of reach for the “Halcón,” Unión, and San Lorenzo (who have 19) with only one matchday left. Even if they lose in Varela, Úbeda’s team still holds the ace of spades: goal difference (+8), which gives them a clear edge over their pursuers.

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The scenarios for Úbeda’s team:

The best-case scenario: If they win their two remaining matches (Defensa and Central Córdoba) and Estudiantes or Vélez slip up, Boca could finish first. That would give them the chance to play all the playoffs at La Bombonera.
The middle road: By taking between 3 and 4 points, they secure qualification and will fight to finish among the top three, avoiding tougher matchups at the start of the knockout stage.
The overall table: Beyond the Apertura, Boca is currently sixth, in the Copa Sudamericana qualification zone, an objective the club’s leadership is also keeping an eye on.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.