Di Lollo winner as Boca edge Riestra 1-0 in scrappy Copa clash | OneFootball

Boca Juniors started the 2026 Torneo Apertura on the right foot by defeating Deportivo Riestra 1-0 at La Bombonera. The only goal of the match came from defender Lautaro Di Lollo, who, at the 31st minute of the second half, headed in a precise cross from Leandro Paredes to secure all three points for the home side.

The team led by Claudio Úbeda did not have an easy night. The lack of forwards forced Lucas Janson to improvise as the attacking reference, without success. In addition, Riestra set up a physical match from the start, focusing on pressing and constantly “harassing” Leandro Paredes, the axis of Boca’s play, to disrupt their build-up.

Despite the tight marking, captain Paredes managed to find space and distribute the ball, allowing Lautaro Blanco and Juan Barinaga to play a more prominent offensive role, especially in the first half. Boca’s clearest chances in the opening period came from crosses: Di Lollo missed two headers, and Belmonte saw Nacho Arce deny him a goal with a great save.

The second half maintained the tone of a Boca side struggling to create play. Not even the introductions of Aguirre and Zufiaurre could unlock the match. The only shot on target for Boca in this period was, in fact, Di Lollo’s headed goal.

After the goal, Boca sat back and allowed Riestra to push for an equalizer. Agustín Marchesín, until then a spectator, had his only notable intervention by deflecting a good shot from Alexander Díaz. The match ended with all Boca players defending a final free kick, successfully holding on and sealing a narrow victory in their league debut.

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