CONMEBOL clears O'Higgins to host Boca at El Teniente | OneFootball

CONMEBOL has cleared O'Higgins to host Boca in the Copa Sudamericana return leg at El Teniente in Rancagua, despite the stadium not meeting capacity requirements.

According to LaNumer12.com.ar, the play-off phase requires a minimum 20,000 capacity, while the Chilean ground holds 14,087. The governing body granted an exceptional waiver following a request from the club.

The appeal highlighted El Teniente's high-standard structural and safety facilities, and the recent group stage precedent, when O'Higgins played there without issues under a 10,000-seat threshold.

The decision complicates travel for Boca supporters, with Rancagua just over 80 kilometres south of Santiago. A larger capital venue would have eased logistics and increased the away allocation. Ticket numbers for visiting fans are still to be confirmed.

With the venue settled, the tie schedule is locked in. Boca will open at La Bombonera because O'Higgins hold the sporting advantage after finishing second in their Sudamericana group, while Boca arrive from a Libertadores group-stage exit.

The first leg is on Thursday 23 July at 21:30 at La Bombonera. The decider follows on Thursday 30 July at 21:30 at El Teniente, with the aggregate winners in Chile advancing to the last 16, where Deportivo Recoleta of Paraguay await.

Source: LaNumer12.com.ar