Boca Juniors vs. Estudiantes de La Plata: A Clash of Ambitions
The Argentine Primera División's Torneo Clausura 2026 continues with a key fixture as Boca Juniors, forced to leave their iconic La Bombonera due to pitch problems, host Estudiantes de La Plata at the Tomás Adolfo Ducó stadium (home of Huracán) on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 19:00 local time.
Why the Change of Venue?
Boca's home ground, La Bombonera, underwent a resodding during the mid-season break, but the new grass has not grown as expected, leaving the surface uneven and unsafe for play. As a result, the club requested permission to move the match to the Ducó, a neutral venue in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Parque Patricios. This is not the first time Boca has used the stadium; they previously played there during the 2023 Copa de la Liga.
The situation has also sparked a lighthearted comment from Luis Vidal, president of Paraguayan club Recoleta, which will face Boca in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. In an interview with La Nueva, Vidal joked: “If necessary, we are available to collaborate with some gardeners, some seeds, whatever it takes so that the pitch is in condition for the match.” He also expressed his admiration for Boca legend Juan Román Riquelme and revealed they have prepared a number 10 shirt as a gift.
Boca's Recent Form and Lineup Doubts
Under coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Boca has had an inconsistent start to the Clausura. They lost 3-0 to Riestra, then beat O'Higgins on penalties in the Sudamericana, and most recently drew 2-2 with Newell's in Rosario. With just one point from two league matches, they sit 13th in Zone A and desperately need a win.
Arruabarrena is considering at least two changes. In defense, Leandro Lozano could replace Dylan Gorosito, and Malcom Braida might come in for Lautaro Blanco. In midfield, Leandro Paredes may be rested, with Milton Delgado or Santiago Ascacíbar stepping in. Another possibility is Sebastián Villa dropping to the bench to add more midfield presence.
Estudiantes: High Morale After a Big Win
Estudiantes, managed by Alexander “Cacique” Medina, bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Independiente in the opener by thrashing Defensa y Justicia 3-0. With three points, they are 8th in Zone A and also have their minds on a Copa Libertadores clash against Universidad Católica de Chile.
Probable Lineups
Boca Juniors
Álvaro Montero; Leandro Lozano, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa or Marco Pellegrino, Malcom Braida; Leandro Paredes, Milton Delgado or Santiago Ascacibar; Leonel Flores, Tomás Aranda, Sebastián Villa; Miguel Merentiel.
Coach: Rodolfo Arruabarrena
Estudiantes de La Plata
Fernando Muslera; Eric Meza, Santiago Núñez, Ramiro Funes Mori, Gastón Benedetti; Ezequiel Piovi, Gabriel Neves or Alexis Castro, Joaquín Tobio Burgos; Tiago Palacios, Fabricio Pérez, Guido Carrillo.
Coach: Alexander Medina
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in Argentina. International viewers should check local listings.
Sources: Olé, TyC Sports, La Nueva