Tomás Belmonte reflects on Boca win after return to starting XI | OneFootball

Boca ended their pre-season friendlies on a high, beating Olimpia of Paraguay 2-1 in the Desafío Internacional at the Estadio Único de San Nicolás after a 0-0 draw with Millonarios at La Bombonera. Tomás Belmonte marked his return to the starting line-up with the second goal and the player-of-the-match award.

“The work all week paid off. We played a great game. We leave very happy,” he told Disney+.

Belmonte had come off the bench in five straight games, including the Millonarios friendly, and watched one match against Racing from the sidelines. Back in from the start, his goal and display offered a timely lift ahead of the Torneo Apertura.

“I felt very good, I needed it. Thank God I had a great game. I felt very comfortable and my team-mates made me feel that way. Very happy,” the 27-year-old said.

Compared with the close of the 2025 season, Claudio Úbeda’s refreshed Boca look more front-foot, with midfielders arriving near the box and actively supporting the forwards. The margin against Olimpia could have been greater given the chances created.

Pre-season work has centred on moving away from a double nine in favour of four-three-three, with a clear focus on maintaining the approach and hunting wins on every ground.

Source: LaNumer12.com.ar