Boca's ratings from the win over São Paulo in quarter-final first leg | OneFootball

First step in the series. It wasn’t easy for Boca, but they got a key win in the race for qualification. They beat São Paulo 1-0 at La Bombonera in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals. Miguel Merentiel was the scorer who gives the team a bit of peace of mind ahead of the return leg.

The Xeneize grew into the game. They had some trouble in the opening minutes, but as time went on they settled in, showed their cards, and secured the much-desired win to travel to Morumbí with the advantage in the series. Boca’s ratings in the hard-fought win over the São Paulo side.

Boca 1-0 São Paulo highlights.

Álvaro Montero (6)

Little by little, he is starting to become a key player for Boca. He was important in keeping a clean sheet. In the first half, he made a sensational save from Luciano’s fierce header. And in the second half, he came up with two more saves. He still needs to improve when coming out for crosses.

Leandro Lozano (6)

A solid match from the right-back. He had to suffer in defense during the first half because of the 2-on-1 combination between Luciano and Sabino, but he didn’t have too many problems. He was willing to get forward. He was often available out wide, but rarely received the ball.

Lautaro Di Lollo (7)

He is slowly getting back to his level. Aside from one header inside the box, he then neutralized Luciano, who could do nothing. He won a huge number of aerial duels. He dared to break lines with the ball at his feet. He got forward and, from a corner, won in the air and sent the ball just wide of the post.

Facundo Herrera (8)

He had Calleri in his pocket. One of the standout players on the pitch. Every time he was tested, he responded in a way worthy of the Boca shirt. He stepped out well to intercept and disrupt São Paulo’s build-up. He won a huge number of aerial and ground duels. He recovered possession. He also gives the team a clean way out with very good switches of play for the forwards.

Lautaro Blanco (6)

A good game from the left-footer. Defensively, he had to battle against the runs of Lucas Ramón and Artur. He struggled in the opening 15 minutes, until the team settled and became a wall. True to his style, he got forward confidently. He broke lines, got into the box, and hit a shot that skimmed the crossbar. He delivered the low cross for Merentiel’s goal that gave Boca the win.

Santiago Ascacibar (6)

A solid game from the Ruso. He had a difficult week due to the flu and couldn’t train alongside his teammates, but he still performed. Far from showing the usual physical intensity we’re used to seeing from him, he was cautious when venturing into the opposition box.

Leandro Paredes (7)

It wasn’t his best match. But despite not being at his highest level, he still showed all his class to make a difference on the field. He battled, played, and recovered the ball. A masterclass in how to manage an attack and control midfield. At the start of the goal move, he let the ball run through his legs to beat two opponents and create space.

Tomás Belmonte (6)

Despite the excessive criticism, Toto had a good match. He moved all across Boca’s midfield. He linked up well with Paredes. He started a bit shaky with some risky passes, but settled into the match and made his presence felt. He was key in drawing the yellow card for Calleri, who will miss the second leg.

Leonel Flores (5)

It wasn’t his best game for the Xeneize. He had a few flashes of quality. In the first half, he played on the left side where he didn’t have much impact despite getting plenty of touches. He constantly looked to take on his man, but lost more duels than he won. After the break, he switched to the right and performed better. He needs to lift his head more to find a teammate and stop always looking for the individual play.

Alan Velasco (7)

Under the Vasco, he has found his best version. Although he didn’t see much of the ball on the right, once he moved to the left he did whatever he wanted. He played it wide to Blanco in the move that led to Merentiel’s goal and the win. He had the chance to shoot from outside the box, but instead tried something brilliant with a backheel pass.

Miguel Merentiel (8)

The Beast is not fully fit physically, but he showed all of his commitment to Boca. Throughout the week he had fever symptoms that almost kept him out of the squad. But his presence on the field was crucial in giving the team the win. After a rebound, at the second attempt, he found the net and celebrated another goal in the blue and gold shirt.

Sebastián Villa (4)

He played 15 minutes at the end. He came on looking a bit off. He didn’t have much contact with the ball, and whenever he did have it, he was imprecise. It is worth noting that he tracked back to defend a São Paulo attack.

Enner Valencia (-)

Too few minutes to be rated. In his short time on the pitch, he was booked.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena (7)

The Vasco’s game plan improved as the match went on. In the opening minutes, Boca couldn’t keep the ball, gave it away too easily, and São Paulo created several chances to take the lead. But after the hydration break, the team was clearly superior and kept pushing from every angle to claim the win. They head to Brazil with an important result.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena after Boca’s win over São Paulo. Photo: Gerónimo Marino/La Número 12.

Keep reading:

“They’re eager”: Arruabarrena’s praise for Boca’s squad

When Boca plays the return leg against São Paulo

When Boca plays again after beating São Paulo in the Sudamericana

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