Arruabarrena Praises Boca Juniors After Vasco Semifinal Win

Boca Juniors secured a place in the Copa Sudamericana final after overcoming Vasco da Gama at the Maracana on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, prompting head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena to praise his players' leadership and resilience while warning that the team has yet to win the trophy. The Argentine club's decisive result also highlighted Leandro Paredes' impact after a week of uncertainty over his fitness.

Arruabarrena credited the squad for overcoming difficult periods and delivering when the stakes were highest. According to his postgame remarks, the players have demonstrated a growing determination to make history, but the semifinal victory represents only the first step toward the club's ultimate objective.

The coach emphasized that Boca must maintain its discipline and avoid allowing the achievement to distract the team from the final. He also acknowledged the significance of the result for supporters, who will remember the night at the Maracana.

Reflecting on the team's progress and the challenge ahead, Arruabarrena said:

"This qualification is the group's achievement. They have suffered, and in previous semesters they had to fight their way through difficulties. Now we have completed our first objective.

In a month, we will focus on the final. Today, even I wanted to go up for corners. That is unusual.

Boca fans will remember this forever, but we have not achieved anything yet. We know the club needs a title, but we will not put that pressure on ourselves. We have a group that has suffered but now wants to make history, and we need to enjoy this moment."

Arruabarrena said.

The coach also explained his decision to introduce Paredes during the second half despite concerns about the midfielder's physical condition. The captain had endured a difficult week, and Arruabarrena considered the opposition's fatigue a factor in choosing the timing of his substitution.

Arruabarrena acknowledged that the decision carried risks, even though the outcome ultimately favored his judgment. He was particularly relieved that Paredes completed his appearance without experiencing further physical problems.

Explaining the circumstances behind the substitution, Arruabarrena said:

"It was a difficult week because of everything that happened. Obviously, the result may make me look right, but it was a difficult decision. I felt it was the ideal moment for him to come on in the second half, given the effort the opposing team had made and their increased fatigue.

The important thing is that he did not feel anything. I know how much effort he made, and we talked a lot. But he is a captain, a leader, and he showed that today by scoring the goal."

Arruabarrena said.

Paredes' decisive contribution capped his return to action after doubts about whether he would be available for the crucial match. His leadership and goal proved central to Boca's advancement, according to the coach's assessment.

Vasco entered the second leg with a revised lineup after Andrés Gómez was suspended. Head coach Pedro Emanuel selected David to replace the Colombian winger, while Paulo Henrique returned to the starting eleven after recovering from hip pain sustained during the match against São Paulo on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Vasco's starting lineup featured Léo Jardim; Paulo Henrique, Saldivia, Robert Renan and Cuiabano; Sosa, Thiago Mendes and Lescano; David, Adson and Bruno Duarte. Boca Juniors started with Álvaro Montero; Lozano, Di Lollo, Herrera and Blanco; Battaglia, Ascacíbar and Delgado; Villa, Merentiel and Leonel Flores.

The decisive semifinal match took place at the Maracana at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time on October 20, 2026. Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela officiated, assisted by Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno, with Juan Soto serving as the video assistant referee.