Boca turn it around against Olimpia, end pre-season on a high | OneFootball

Boca wrapped up its preseason by defeating Olimpia 2-1 in a friendly match held at the Estadio Único de San Nicolás. The blue and gold team started off losing to the Paraguayans, but in an exceptional stretch of play managed to turn things around with goals from Alan Velasco and Tomás Belmonte.

It wasn’t a bad showing from Claudio Úbeda’s team, who struggled at the beginning and conceded after an unexpected shot accompanied by a weak response from Agustín Marchesín. After the setback, there was a reaction that changed the mood of the Xeneize fans who packed the stands.

First, a long-range shot from Alan Velasco was deflected and caught the opposing goalkeeper off guard, temporarily tying the game. This was necessary because, up until now, the former Independiente player had not lived up to what Boca represents, and the goal he scored is a good sign ahead of the season that will kick off with the 2026 Apertura Tournament.

Velasco returned to the starting lineup and managed to score a goal to tie the match.

Once again, another player in need of recovery made an important appearance on the scoreboard. After a run down the wing by Exequiel Zeballos, Tomás Belmonte was able to make it 2-1 ten minutes before the end of the first half. The former Lanús player was one of the reinforcements who also hadn’t met expectations after his arrival, so this created a key atmosphere of confidence to avoid suffering.

But in the second half, the substitutions diminished the team’s performance, although Lucas Janson, who replaced Miguel Merentiel (whom the coach didn’t want to risk after a knock), looked lively. Marchesín was crucial in maintaining the final score with some good saves, making it a night with several positives in a match that was more fought than played.

Boca prepares for the official debut

This 2026 hasn’t started with many new faces. While Xeneize awaits the arrivals of Alexis Cuello and Marino Hinestroza, the decision was made to improve on last year’s foundation, although some absences during the preseason meant not everyone could be seen. Despite this, the feeling going into the start of the local competition is positive.

For Group A of the 2026 Apertura Tournament, La Bombonera will be the venue for the match between Boca and Deportivo Riestra. It will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 6:00 PM and will mark the official start of the competition for the blue and gold.

Read also:

Tomás Belmonte analyzed Boca’s win on his return to the starting lineup

Boca vs Olimpia: schedule, lineups, and TV

Boca’s absences for the friendly against Olimpia

Boca’s squad for the friendly against Olimpia

The 4 changes Boca would make to face Olimpia

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