Boca Juniors Faces Vasco da Gama in Sudamericana Semifinal

Boca Juniors host Vasco da Gama at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires for the Copa Sudamericana semifinals, seeking a first international title since 2008 while replacing injured captain Leandro Paredes through tactical changes.

According to TyC Sports, the first leg begins with Boca using its usual 4-3-1-2 system and Enner Valencia starting instead of Miguel Merentiel. The match is scheduled for 21:30, with Piero Maza as referee.

Clarin reported that Paredes suffered a grade 2 right hamstring tear against Instituto and could miss three to five weeks. Boca will also be without Tomás Belmonte and Alan Velasco for the series.

Arruabarrena addressed the challenge of losing his captain and midfielder ahead of the match against the Brazilian side.

"We have lost the captain and the leader inside and outside the group, but we have players to replace him, with different characteristics. We have already gone through these moments and we always show our faces," said Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Boca Juniors coach.

The coach highlighted midfield alternatives including Williams Alarcón, Milton Delgado and Santiago Ascacíbar as Boca prepares for the semifinal first leg. He also discussed the need to maintain focus across all competitions.

"Today Alarcón played, Chelo Delgado played well, Ruso Ascacíbar had minutes... We can build a good midfield. Talking is one thing, but we have to prove it on Tuesday. I am sure they are hungry and eager, and we hope to play a good match," said Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Boca Juniors coach.

Boca entered the semifinal after eliminating O'Higgins, Recoleta and São Paulo, according to Express News. The club is seeking its first international trophy since winning the 2008 Recopa Sudamericana.

Merentiel, who has scored 13 goals across all competitions this season, also assessed the impact of Paredes' absence before the match.

"We lose that quality pass that Lea has. Out of nowhere he produces an incredible pass, we lose a lot," said Miguel Merentiel, Boca Juniors forward.

Vasco da Gama reached the semifinals after defeating Independiente Medellín, Olimpia and Santa Fe. Express News reported that the Brazilian club sits 14th in the Brazilian league with 35 points, three points above the relegation positions.

Vasco midfielder Santiago Sosa said the absence of Paredes could affect Boca's performance, while the Argentine club prepares to play the second leg in Rio de Janeiro.

"Everything in the team's football goes through Paredes. His absence will benefit us," said Santiago Sosa, Vasco da Gama midfielder.

Arruabarrena also emphasized the broader importance of the tournament for Boca, which is competing in the local league and Copa Argentina while pursuing continental success.

"The international competitions give you money, prestige, the possibility of playing on the other side, in another competition, etc. It has been a long time since the club achieved something international," said Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Boca Juniors coach.

Vasco will face Boca without Argentine striker Facundo Colidio, who cannot play because River Plate registered him for the knockout phase. Adson could replace him after recording four goals and three assists in the competition.