Boca beaten 3-0 by Deportivo Riestra in Clausura opener | OneFootball

Boca suffered a chastening 3-0 defeat away to Deportivo Riestra in Bajo Flores in the Torneo Clausura 2026 opener, a jolt after Thursday’s win over O’Higgins and a concern before the Copa Sudamericana return leg.

According to LaNumer12.com.ar, Rodolfo Arruabarrena rotated heavily to rest midweek starters, making seven changes, but his side were outplayed and found few positives.

Riestra struck twice with close-range headers, the defence beaten inside the six-yard box while Álvaro Montero held his line. The third came on the break, the keeper advanced, misjudged the leap and was chipped.

Malcom Braida started for the first time under Arruabarrena and lost key aerial duels, while the centre-backs struggled. Lautaro Blanco, captain on the night, was caught out in the build-up to all three goals.

In midfield, Santiago Ascacíbar was the most assured, though Boca lacked threat. Kevin Zenón had two efforts from distance that Arce saved, and Alan Velasco was lively before being withdrawn at half-time, with Williams Alarcón departing the interval with muscular discomfort.

From the bench, Sebastián Villa and Ángel Romero made little impact, and Miguel Merentiel spent a little over 25 minutes largely away from the penalty area. There is a sense Boca struggle without Leandro Paredes, and Arruabarrena will need to recalibrate quickly before the Sudamericana second leg.

Source: LaNumer12.com.ar