Boca's ratings at the start of Vasco Arruabarrena's second spell | OneFootball

A month and a half has passed since Boca’s defeat to Universidad Católica, which led to their elimination from the Copa Libertadores and forced the team to play in the Copa Sudamericana playoffs. During this period, Claudio Úbeda stepped down as head coach and Rodolfo Arruabarrena took over, and in his first test, he earned a narrow win in the friendly against Athletico Paranaense.

It was a match in which a different tactical setup was seen, with three forwards and the debuts of Leandro Lozano —a brand-new signing— and Leonel Flores. He also used the match to make 11 substitutions throughout the game and test different names who will fight for a starting spot for the Xeneize in the clash against Sarmiento, the first official match of the semester.

Leandro Brey (5)

He had very little action during the first half. He dealt with a few slow balls and, unlike previous matches, looked comfortable with his feet. He accurately tried to build out through the flanks. He attempted to claim a cross, never got it under control, and Ascacibar ended up bailing him out.

Leandro Lozano (6)

He made his debut in a Boca shirt and did not look out of place. He tried to combine with Flores on the right, but did not dare push all the way forward to create a 2-on-1 against the opposing defense. Only once was he caught out of position and left his area exposed. He had one long-range shot that went over the bar.

Nicolás Figal (4)

He practically had no action in the match. He was a privileged spectator. He attempted a few long balls, but without finding a target. He cleared one ball poorly, tried to recover, and Paranaense nearly equalized.

Ayrton Costa (5)

Very little to do in defense. Paranaense did not create many scoring chances, so the center back was hardly involved. Before Blanco’s wonder goal, he tried an acrobatic effort in the air. He was the first player booked in Arruabarrena’s second spell.

Lautaro Blanco (8)

Lautaro Blanco, Boca’s standout performer against Paranaense. Photo: Javier Martino/CABJ Press.

He remains one of Boca’s best players in the squad. Every time he was tested defensively, he responded well and was effective going forward. He received the ball from Ascacibar and unleashed a left-footed shot into the top corner.

Milton Delgado (5)

Without Paredes, he became Boca’s holding midfielder, although he did not have the same influence as the captain. He played safe passes without taking risks.

Tomás Belmonte (4)

He lined up to Delgado’s left to form a three-man central midfield alongside Ascacibar. He did not break forward to join the attack and held his position at all times.

Santiago Ascacibar (3)

The most active of the midfielders. He won the ball back on the edge of the box and dared to move out of his position to get all the way to the byline. He laid it off to Blanco for the 1-0. He rescued Brey after the keeper failed to deal with a cross.

Leonel Flores (6)

The 19-year-old made his full debut in a Boca shirt. He had received a few call-ups before, but without getting any minutes. Stationed on the right, he looked to make the most of his pace. He won the corner that led to Blanco’s goal. He took a high boot to the face from Santos, with the stud marks left near his temple.

Alan Velasco (3)

A poor outing from Velasco. He played on the left side of the attack. He was inaccurate with his passing and, on more than one occasion, struggled with his first touch. He pressed high, won the ball back, and could not get himself set to launch the attack.

Miguel Merentiel (4)

With Arruabarrena’s new tactical setup, he played as the lone reference in attack. During the first half he had little involvement, while in the second he got off two shots and, on both occasions, the Brazilian goalkeeper came up big.

Ángel Romero (5)

With his first involvement, he took responsibility for the free kick after the high boot on Flores, and his shot struck the angle of the goal. He played as a second striker and looked to break the defensive line with his runs into space.

Marco Pellegrino (4)

He barely touched the ball in the short time he was on the pitch. Paranaense never tested him and most of the plays started on the right, with Di Lollo as the outlet.

Williams Alarcón (5)

After Delgado went off, he positioned himself as the holding midfielder, although he rotated with Rey Domenech to move out of that role and link up with Palacios. He had one through ball for Braida.

Malcom Braida (5)

Just as during Claudio Úbeda’s spell, he played at left back. He dared to push all the way forward, though without the danger Blanco shows on his runs. Solid in the tackle.

Javier García (5)

He replaced Leandro Brey and had no action. The Brazilians never shot on target, and the few times he touched the ball were back passes that he handled confidently. Without taking unnecessary risks.

Lautaro Di Lollo (6)

Solid in marking. Well-timed in sticking out a leg to win the defensive duel. He was the first pass in the buildup.

Carlos Palacios (5)

The Chilean midfielder is getting minutes again after last playing in December 2025, when he suffered synovitis in his knee and underwent surgery in February this year. A good test ahead of the second half of the season under El Vasco.

Kevin Zenón (6)

Very active on the right side of the pitch. He is looking to earn a place in the new coaching staff’s plans. He had two good plays tight to the touchline and was elbowed in one that went uncalled.

Camilo Rey Domenech (5)

A good showing from the youngster, who is getting first-team minutes again after falling down Claudio Úbeda’s pecking order.

Milton Giménez (4)

Very little from the former Banfield man. Gorosito tested him for pace and he did not get there; then he lost an aerial duel.

Dylan Gorosito (6)

With his first touch, he won the ball back with high pressure and slipped a pass through for Milton Giménez, who could not reach it. He challenged Joao Cruz for a ball, arrived late, ripped his sock, and was fortunate not to be sent off.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena (6)

Rodolfo Arruabarrena. Photo: Proenter.

He made two important decisions when the starting XI was confirmed. First, the new tactical shape (4-3-3) with Flores on the right, Velasco on the left, and Merentiel as the lone striker. Then, in defense, the choice of Nicolás Figal over Lautaro Di Lollo to partner Ayrton Costa. In the second half, meanwhile, the three-man forward line was broken up, with Giménez and Romero as the main penalty-area references, although the Paraguayan played a little deeper.

Keep reading:

What time Boca vs Paranaense kicks off in the friendly and how to watch it live

Boca today: the squad travels to Salta for the friendly and more updates

Arruabarrena froze him out at Boca, he signed with a new club, and made a strong statement

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