Boca v Recoleta, dates and times set for Sudamericana last 16 | OneFootball

Boca is already focused on its next continental challenge after getting through a demanding tie against O’Higgins in which it had to suffer. CONMEBOL confirmed the exact dates and kickoff times for the round of 16 clashes against Paraguay’s Recoleta, where the team will look to make a strong statement and reinforce its international pedigree.

The Boca side suffered more than expected against O’Higgins, but managed to seal its ticket to the next stage of the Copa Sudamericana. After the initial win at La Bombonera, the team lost by the narrowest of margins at El Teniente in Rancagua during the ninety regulation minutes. Fortunately, its cup pedigree in the penalty shootout allowed it to secure a qualification that seemed to be slipping away.

From the spot, the series ended 4-3 in favor of the blue and gold club, sparking relief. The shootout was nerve-racking, including a missed effort by Tomas Aranda and a key save by goalkeeper Álvaro Montero. Despite the final celebration for achieving the objective, the team’s overall performance left major question marks on the footballing side.

Boca must improve its play for the Sudamericana round of 16. Photo: Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images.

Now, Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s men have the pressing obligation to improve their performance in each and every area of the pitch. The level of play is still falling short, and the board expects a leap in quality in line with the historic demands of this shirt. The next obstacle on the horizon will be the Paraguayan side.

The confirmed schedule for Boca vs. Recoleta

The first leg for the Xeneize will be played on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m. at La Bombonera, where it will be vital to build a substantial advantage. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday the 18th of the same month, also at 7:00 p.m., but at the imposing Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción. As in the playoff round, the club from La Ribera will once again have to deal with the pressure of deciding the tie away from home.

The Asunción team reached the round of 16 after topping Group D with just eight points, the result of one win and five draws. That group, shared with Santos, San Lorenzo, and Deportivo Cuenca, produced the lowest total among all the group-stage leaders. While on paper it looks like an accessible opponent, the blue and gold side cannot afford any overconfidence in its quest to win the continental trophy.

Boca’s relief after the penalty shootout. Photo: Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images.

This is how the Sudamericana round of 16 will be played

Keep reading:

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