"We need to improve": Ander Herrera reflects on draw against Millonarios | OneFootball

After almost two weeks of training, with double sessions, Boca drew in their first preseason match at La Bombonera. There were no differences with Millonarios, and the team left a good impression ahead of the start of the regular season in the Torneo Apertura. One of the big stories of the evening was the starting appearance of Ander Herrera.

The 36-year-old Spaniard, who renewed his contract at the start of January, started in the friendly for the Miguel Ángel Russo Cup and played 45 minutes. That was enough time to showcase all his good football. Positioned to the right of Leandro Paredes, but also appearing near the box to play through balls and set up the forwards one-on-one against the opposing goalkeeper.

Gone are the muscle issues that troubled him throughout 2026; the former Athletic Club player started the year on the right foot, admitting, “I’m feeling good, it’s preseason. We need to get minutes, we need to build good sensations.” He took the first step towards what will be a long year, full of activity and triple competition.

Ander played 45 minutes against Millonarios and was one of the standouts.

But beyond his individual performance on the pitch, Ander Herrera analyzed the goalless draw against Millonarios. “I think the team did very well, we created a lot. It’s true that we have to improve in those final meters because we could have scored 3 or 4 goals,” he told “ESPN” at the end of the match.

Ander Herrera and the tribute to Miguel Ángel Russo

Before the match against the Colombian side, president Juan Román Riquelme spoke with “El Canal de Boca” and revealed that 2026 was the starting point to celebrate the Miguel Ángel Russo Cup every January from now on.

Since neither team could break the deadlock, Marcelo Delgado was in charge of handing a trophy to each captain – Leandro Paredes (Boca) and Radamel Falcao (Millonarios) – and they exchanged shirts with the legendary name on the back.

Boca and Millonarios took home the Miguel Ángel Russo Cup.

In the face of the incredible tribute at La Bombonera, Ander Herrera remembered Miguelo in the best way. “Miguel wanted, practically, to finish his life on a football pitch, and today has been a beautiful day for him, a beautiful tribute for him and his family,” he concluded.

Keep reading:

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Neither Magis TV nor Pelota Libre: how to watch Boca vs Millonarios LIVE

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