09/07/2026 08:00 - Deportes
The new chapter for Rodolfo Vasco Arruabarrena as head coach of Boca Juniors—one of the most popular and successful football clubs in Argentina—started with a smile. On the night of July 8, 2026, the Xeneize (as Boca is known, referencing their Genoese roots) defeated Athletico Paranaense from Brazil 1-0 at the Padre Ernesto Martearena stadium in Salta, thanks to a true masterpiece by full-back Lautaro Blanco.
At the 28th minute of the first half, following a corner kick from the right, the ball bounced around the edge of the penalty area. Lautaro Blanco, with a powerful left-footed strike, beat the opposing goalkeeper and sparked the celebration. This goal marked the first official cry of joy for the team under Arruabarrena's leadership.
Arruabarrena set up a 4-3-3 formation for this pre-season friendly. With key players like Paredes and Ascacibar absent, Milton Delgado took on the role of central midfielder, flanked by Tomas Belmonte and Alan Velasco on the wings. In defense, Nicolas Figal lined up as the first center-back, while Leandro Lozano—the only new signing of the transfer window so far—occupied the right-back position.
In the second half, the coaching staff rotated the squad. Angel Romero, Marco Pellegrino, and Williams Alarcon came on for Velasco, Ayrton Costa, and Belmonte. Later, Di Lollo, Zenon, Javier Garcia, Braida, and Palacios also got their minutes on the pitch.
At the 59th minute, the match turned tense when Brazilian goalkeeper Santos delivered a harsh kick to the face of youth player Leonel Flores while clearing the ball. The referee didn't hesitate and showed him a straight red card.
Very good, we did the whole preseason. We picked up the idea very quickly and we will continue working. His experience, especially playing in my position, is always useful, tactical things. We are going to take advantage of it.
With renewed hope after this first step in Salta, the squad is now focusing on official commitments. Their competitive debut will be on Thursday, July 16 against Sarmiento, in the Round of 32 of the Copa Argentina (the national cup tournament). Later, on July 26, they will face Deportivo Riestra in the opening match of Group A in the 2026 Torneo Clausura (the second half of the Argentine Primera Division season).
Alfredo S. Quiroga
