Dream come true: Leandro Paredes' revelation after Boca's win | OneFootball

A dream night for Leandro Paredes and Boca, as the team captain was crucial in opening the scoring at Claro Arena. El Xeneize claimed a 2-1 win over Universidad Católica in their debut in the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage.

The world champion was the standout player for a team that is gradually regaining the fans’ confidence. For the midfielder in blue and gold, this had a more than special meaning: he made his debut wearing the jersey of the club he supports in the tournament he so desperately wants to win and, as the icing on the cake, he also got on the scoresheet for the first time.

“It was one of my childhood dreams,” said a happy Leandro Paredes, who spoke to the broadcast after the match against Universidad Católica ended. “Playing in this competition wearing this shirt... I was able to do it at 31 years old”, reflected the Xeneize captain, who admitted he was “happy” with the result and how the match unfolded.

A long-awaited debut for Leandro Paredes

Since making his professional debut in 2010 under coach Claudio Borghi, Leandro Paredes had not had the chance to play in the Copa Libertadores. As a fan, this was one of the unfinished debts the former Roma and Paris Saint-Germain player needed to settle once he completed his return to the club that developed him.

Paredes was key in his Libertadores debut. Photo: Geraldo Caso Bizama/Getty Images

In 2013, he was included in the Copa squad after Carlos Bianchi returned to the bench following Julio César Falcioni’s spell. But unfortunately for him, El Virrey chose not to use him and went with other names instead. He was on the bench against Toluca at La Bombonera and later against Barcelona de Quito, which paradoxically is in the same group as El Xeneize.

Paredes will not be available for the next match

Although the midfielder’s performance was key to securing the three points in Chile, Claudio Úbeda already knows he will not be available for the next match. Boca will face Independiente at La Bombonera this Sunday, April 12, starting at 7:30 p.m.

The world champion will not be able to play in the clash against El Rojo because in the win over Talleres in Córdoba, he picked up his fifth yellow card and will have to serve a one-match suspension. But despite this absence, he will be available without any issues for the Superclásico against River on April 19, which will be played at the Monumental.

Read also:

Claudio Úbeda’s message to regain the fans’ confidence

Boca’s new official statement on the expansion of La Bombonera

Boca, take note: the referee for the clásico against Independiente has been decided

Valentín Barco said he wants to return to Boca and revealed that he spoke with Leandro Paredes

What time Boca vs Universidad Católica kicks off in the Libertadores, lineups and TV coverage

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