Boca v Riestra: kick-off, line-ups, referee and TV info | OneFootball

Boca is all set for their debut in the 2026 Apertura Tournament, which, as every start of the year, generates expectations among the Xeneizes fans. La Bombonera will be the stage where the blue and gold team will seek to take the first firm step in a season full of challenges, with their eyes set on both the local title and international competition.

The team arrives at this commitment after an intense preseason that left extremely positive feelings in the coaching staff led by Claudio Úbeda. The recent friendly matches, which included a goalless draw against Millonarios from Colombia and a 2-1 victory over Olimpia from Paraguay, showed a well-oiled collective performance that allows for optimism.

However, the official debut will not be without complications due to significant absences in the starting lineup, mainly in the attack sector. The confirmed absence of Miguel Merentiel due to a tear in his right calf forces Úbeda to make changes, betting on Lucas Janson as the main striker and confirming the inclusion of Tomás Belmonte in midfield.

Boca officially kicks off the year after two preseason friendlies.

Meanwhile, Deportivo Riestra arrives in the La Boca neighborhood with the clear intention of causing an upset and spoiling the home team's debut in the first matchday. The "Malevo" team fully understands that visiting the Alberto J. Armando stadium represents one of the most challenging tasks on the professional calendar, but they have full confidence in their tactical order and the physical commitment of their players to try to secure points. It will be up to the Ribera team to make home advantage count.

The match, corresponding to the opening day of the domestic championship, will take place this Sunday, January 25, at the historic Xeneize stadium. The event is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 PM, when the ball will start rolling under the deafening cheers of a Bombonera that, as always, will be completely packed.

Leandro Paredes will lead the team in search of the first victory.

Regarding the officials appointed for the match, the Argentine Football Association confirmed that Sebastián Zunino will be the main referee in charge of ensuring fair play. The referee team will be completed with the technological assistance of Ariel Penel, who will be in charge of the VAR.

For fans following the action from home, the live broadcast will be handled by TNT Sports Premium. It is important to note that to watch the match, a subscription to the Football Pack enabled through the cable operator is required, allowing fans to enjoy the debut of the Only Great in the local tournament.

The latest news on Boca before the debut.

Boca's lineup vs Riestra

Riestra's lineup

All the match details

Keep reading:

The squad for Boca vs Riestra debut: surprises and significant absences

Boca decided the future of Jabes Saralegui

How and where to watch Boca vs Riestra live for the 2026 Apertura Tournament

Ángel Romero to Boca: when the first reinforcement arrives

Riquelme confirmed who will be Boca's first reinforcement and when they will arrive

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