Boca’s ratings in reaching the Copa Argentina last 16 | OneFootball

El Vasco Arruabarrena made his official debut as Boca coach, in his second spell at the club, and he did so with a victory. The team beat Sarmiento de Junín 2-0 in the Copa Argentina round of 32, with goals from Alan Velasco and Leonel Flores. They advanced to the next stage of the competition, where Vélez await.

Little by little, the coach’s influence on the Xeneize is starting to show, as is the work done during the preseason weeks, such as the implementation of the 4-3-3 and the inclusion of youngster Flores, who became the standout player on the pitch.

A situation that will give the manager something to think about, considering the signing of Sebastián Villa in the transfer window, ahead of the clash against O’Higgins next July 23 at 9:30 p.m. at La Bombonera, in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana playoffs. Boca’s player ratings in the win over Sarmiento.

Leandro Brey (5)

He was barely tested in the match. The few times he was called into action, he responded well, though without too much work to do. He cut out a low cross and came out well with his fists. He still needs to improve his footwork, although there was noticeable progress compared to last semester.

Leandro Lozano (6)

A solid match from the right-back. After his debut in the friendly against Paranaense, he made his official debut in the Boca shirt and showed all his experience as a No. 4. He defended and got forward intelligently to combine with Flores.

Nicolás Figal (4)

For Vasco Arruabarrena, he is the starting center-back ahead of Pellegrino and Di Lollo, but this was not one of his best matches. He took too many risks playing out from the back and nearly put the Xeneize in danger.

Ayrton Costa (5)

He continues to deliver a steady level, but far from the outstanding defender he was in the first half of the year, when he was one of the team’s best players. It may have something to do with not having Di Lollo alongside him, with whom he practically knew each other by heart.

Lautaro Blanco (7)

The left-footer remains one of Boca’s most outstanding players. Solid in defense and very influential in attack. Speed and control of his entire flank make him an important piece in both boxes. He switched play at the start of the move that led to Flores’ goal.

Santiago Ascacibar (6)

A good match from the midfielder. He won back several balls and made his presence felt in Sarmiento’s box. He maintained the same level he had shown under Claudio Úbeda. He had a shot that went just over the crossbar.

Milton Delgado (6)

With Leandro Paredes preparing to fight for another World Cup final, Delgado became Boca’s No. 5 and performed well. He broke the lines with a sensational pass to Velasco for the opener. He took too many risks near Brey’s area and lost it, but quickly won it back with a sliding challenge.

Tomás Aranda (6)

A good outing from the youngster, who made his debut wearing the No. 10 shirt after Edinson Cavani left the club. At times he insisted too much with several through balls into a crowd of Sarmiento legs without creating danger. He needs to improve that aspect to play simply and avoid putting teammates under pressure.

Leonel Flores (8)

The standout player on the pitch. Although he had debuted against Paranaense in the friendly, against Sarmiento it was his official debut and WHAT A DEBUT! He was outstanding.

Leonel Flores, Boca’s standout player against Sarmiento.

From the very first minute he looked active on the right. He lost possession several times by taking risks and because of the nerves of a first match. But in the second half, he covered every inch of the field and capped it off with a great goal.

Alan Velasco (3)

Compared to his level against Paranaense, tonight he grew into the game. He did not have the best first half, but in the second he was much improved. He received Delgado’s pass between the center-backs and the midfield line, set himself, and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot. Impossible for Thyago Ayala.

Miguel Merentiel (4)

The Uruguayan forward’s level leaves a lot to be desired. He has not been at his best for quite some time. He drops too far out of the box to help create play, and Boca lose an attacking reference. He could have squared it for Flores in the first half, but chose to go alone and the ball went wide.

Kevin Zenón (6)

He came on in the second half and did well. He played on the right and showed a high level. With some sharp body feints, he got past defenders, struck it left-footed, and the ball went just wide of the top-left corner. Under Vasco Arruabarrena, he may be able to recover his best level.

Carlos Palacios (4)

He came on at the same time as Zenón, but did not have much influence on the game. He only touched the ball a few times. He returned to action after eight months. His last match had been on December 7, 2025.

Ángel Romero and Williams Alarcón (-)

Too little time to be rated.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena (6)

Compared to the match against Athletico Paranaense, there was only one change: Tomás Aranda came in for Tomás Belmonte (injured).

Vasco made his official return debut.

Beyond that, the team delivered a good performance in Vasco Arruabarrena’s official debut as Boca manager in his second spell at the club. One criticism that can be made of the coach is that he persisted with Miguel Merentiel as the main striker without looking for alternatives on the bench.

Keep reading:

Boca now know their opponent for the Copa Argentina round of 16

Arruabarrena revealed the gesture Leandro Paredes made toward Boca just hours before the World Cup final

Arruabarrena confirmed he is looking for another signing and revealed the position

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