Boca’s player ratings from the first-leg win over O’Higgins

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La Número 12

·24 Juli 2026

Boca’s player ratings from the first-leg win over O’Higgins

Boca got off on the right foot in the second half of the season. After beating Sarmiento in the Copa Argentina, they did the same against O’Higgins in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana playoffs. They claimed a narrow win thanks to Miguel Merentiel’s goal. They will travel to Chile with the advantage on the scoreboard, although it feels like the margin could have been bigger.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena once again insisted on his preferred system with two wingers out wide, where Sebastián Villa was the one who gave him the best return. Little by little, the Vasco’s idea is starting to take shape on the pitch and the results are beginning to come, although it is still too early to make a proper analysis. Below are the ratings from the Xeneize win over the Chilean side.

Video OneFootball

Boca beat O’Higgins.

Álvaro Montero (7)

The Colombian goalkeeper made his debut in a Boca shirt and rose to the occasion. He was responsible for keeping a clean sheet. He was tested on several occasions. In the opening minute with a harmless shot, then they tried to chip him and it went over the crossbar, and the most dangerous chance was a left-footed strike from Martín Sarrafiore that he pushed out for a corner.

Dylan Gorosito (6)

It was his third professional match with the Xeneize. He started due to Leandro Lozano’s injury and delivered a classy performance. He will give Vasco Arruabarrena a real headache. Solid defensively. Despite his physical build compared to the opposing forwards, he won several duels. He got forward intelligently and looked to link up with Flores.

Nicolás Figal (5)

He grew into the game. He had a poor first half in which he struggled to judge aerial clearances. One mistake that could have cost qualification came when he mistimed his jump, the ball fell kindly to Pancho González, who tried to chip Montero but hit the roof of the net. He improved after the break. He was Boca’s main outlet from the back.

Ayrton Costa (4)

A poor match from the second center back. He was caught out of position against Pancho González in what could have been O’Higgins’ first goal. Strong when stepping in front, but not in one-on-one duels. Near the end of the match, he had a moment of inspiration, tried to dribble past several opponents, but lost the ball. The Chilean side nearly equalized.

Lautaro Blanco (7)

The left back’s level is the real deal. He has been one of the team’s standout performers for a long time now, and today was no exception. Even though he did not get forward too much with Villa ahead of him, every time he did it was purposeful and dangerous. He dared to break lines, slip through the opposing defense, and get into the box.

Milton Delgado (6)

He improved as the game went on. When he had to play in a double pivot alongside Leandro Paredes, he struggled quite a bit, but with Santiago Ascacibar’s introduction he settled into the match and showed his best version.

Leandro Paredes (8)

There are no words to describe the quality and class of Boca’s captain. Without any rest after playing the World Cup final with Argentina, he put on the blue and gold and was the standout player on the pitch. He cut out several promising O’Higgins attacks. He used the magic in his right boot to deliver a perfect assist for Merentiel on the winning goal.

Leonel Flores (5)

He mixed good moments with bad ones. He made some mistakes typical of his young age. He still needs to improve his decision-making in the final third. He had the chance to square it to Villa to extend the lead, but chose the individual play and lost it. Later, the Colombian put the ball on his head, but he did not dare to finish.

Tomás Aranda (4)

Unlike in other matches, he was not at his best. He struggled to get into the rhythm of the game. He moved across several areas of the pitch, but never looked comfortable. He was the first substitution.

Sebastián Villa (6)

The Colombian forward returned to La Bombonera after his controversial departure and did not go unnoticed. On the left, he was a constant threat. Every time he touched the ball, he beat his marker with ease to whip in his trademark cross into the box, although none found a teammate. He was whistled at first by the fans, but left to applause when he was substituted.

Miguel Merentiel (7)

Miguel Merentiel scored the only goal in Boca’s win. Photo: Gerónimo Marino/La Número 12.

As the team’s only attacking reference, it is hard for him to get involved. He touched the ball only a few times, but one of them ended up in Carabalí’s net, after an exquisite pass from Paredes and a fine finish with the inside of his right foot. In the second half, he failed to connect with a cross that could have been Boca’s second goal and his second of the night.

Santiago Ascacibar (6)

The best of the four substitutes who came on. With his introduction, the team improved noticeably in midfield. He broke away from the midfielders to get into the visitors’ box and, with his first involvement, nearly scored Boca’s second. He had a weak header cleared off the line.

Alan Velasco (5)

He came on in the final 15 minutes and made an impact. He lined up on the left. In one of his first involvements, he received the ball inside the box, cut onto his right, and his shot deflected off a defender.

Malcom Braida (5)

He did not see too much action after coming on. Given his versatility, he slotted in at right back when he replaced Dylan Gorosito.

Kevin Zenón (-)

Not enough minutes to be rated.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena (7)

Little by little, the coach’s influence is beginning to bear fruit. Two out of two. A win and qualification in the Copa Argentina, and a victory to start the continental tournament on the right foot. With a clear tactical tweak, Vasco will look to find the team’s best level. He needs time and work to achieve the desired result.