Boca line-up vs Universidad Católica in the Libertadores | OneFootball

Claudio Úbeda has finalized Boca’s lineup to face Universidad Católica in the final matchday of the Copa Libertadores group stage. The coach will make several changes, one of them forced due to Ayrton Costa’s suspension.

In a decisive clash to be played at La Bombonera, the Xeneize side is playing for the much-desired spot in the round of 16 of the continental tournament. Knowing that a win is a must, the head coach will make three major changes compared to the team’s last outing.

The starting eleven expected to take the field will be: Leandro Brey; Malcom Braida, Lautaro Di Lollo, Marco Pellegrino, Lautaro Blanco; Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes, Milton Delgado; Tomás Aranda; Milton Gimenez and Exequiel Zeballos.

Úbeda has Boca’s XI set to face Católica.

The changes in Boca

The first change comes in central defense and is the forced switch already announced: Marco Pellegrino comes in for Ayrton Costa. The defender is suspended after reaching the yellow-card limit in the heated match against Cruzeiro. Given this absence, the former Huracán defender is shaping up as the immediate solution to partner Lautaro Di Lollo, looking to bring physical presence and strong aerial play.

In midfield, Tomás Belmonte’s exit to make way for Ander Herrera is due strictly to a tactical and footballing decision. Úbeda understands that the team needs to take control of the ball and dictate the tempo of the match. With Santiago Ascacibar also suspended and usually in charge of that distribution, the coaching staff is betting on the Spanish midfielder’s quality and technique to create play.

Boca will make changes against Católica.

Finally, up front, Exequiel Zeballos’ inclusion in place of Miguel Merentiel is heavily influenced by the Beast’s physical condition. The Uruguayan forward suffered a minor soleus tear in recent training sessions and was unable to work with the group. Although the medical recommendation suggests several days of recovery, the significance of this true cup final has Merentiel considering an injection so he does not miss the match. Meanwhile, "Changuito" Zeballos stands as the main alternative to partner Milton Giménez in attack.

Keep reading:

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