A long-awaited homecoming
Boca Juniors will step onto the hallowed turf of La Bombonera tonight for the first time in over a month, and the faithful are ready to roar. The iconic stadium, officially named Estadio Alberto J. Armando, has been undergoing pitch renovations, forcing Boca to play their last three home matches at Huracán's Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó. Now, with the grass restored, the Xeneize hope to rediscover their winning form in front of their own fans.
The match against Lanús, corresponding to Matchday 7 of the 2026 Torneo Clausura, kicks off at 9:30 PM Argentina time (8:30 PM ET) on Friday, August 28, 2026. Fans can watch live on TNT Sports Premium (requires the Pack Fútbol subscription in Argentina).
A delicate moment in the standings
Boca currently sits in 11th place in Zone A with just 7 points from six matches, having recorded only one victory. The team drew their last three games, including a 1-1 stalemate against Racing Club in Avellaneda. In the annual aggregate table, however, Boca is 6th with 37 points, which keeps them in a comfortable position for international qualification. Still, the urgency is palpable: a win tonight would lift them into playoff contention and restore confidence.
Lanús arrives in a similar predicament. The Granate have won just one of their last six matches and were recently eliminated from both the Copa Sudamericana and the Copa Argentina. With 7 points, they sit 9th in Zone A and 13th in the annual table with 31 points. Their only remaining objective is the domestic league, making this a crucial encounter for both sides.
Team news: injuries and returns
Boca will be without Marco Pellegrino, Leandro Lozano, and Ayrton Costa, all sidelined with injuries. The most significant loss is Tomás Aranda, who suffered a fibula fracture in training and is expected to be out until 2027. To fill the void, coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena will turn to Lautaro Bianco, a highly rated youth prospect from the reserve team.
On a positive note, Lautaro Di Lollo returns from injury and is set to start, while Leandro Paredes is available but will likely be managed carefully, with an eye on the upcoming Copa Argentina clash against Vélez Sarsfield.
Probable lineups
Boca Juniors
Álvaro Montero; Dylan Gorosito, Lautaro Di Lollo, Facundo Herrera or Nicolás Figal, Lautaro Blanco; Santiago Ascacíbar or Tomás Belmonte, Leandro Paredes or Camilo Rey Domenech; Leonel Flores, Alan Velasco, Sebastián Villa, and Miguel Merentiel. Coach: Rodolfo Arruabarrena.
Lanús
Nahuel Losada; Tomás Guidara, Carlos Izquierdoz, José María Canale, Sasha Marcich; Agustín Medina, Felipe Peña Biafore; Matías Sepúlveda or Franco Watson, Eduardo Salvio, Dylan Aquino, and Allan Wlk. Coach: Mauricio Pellegrino.
Recent history favors Boca
The last meeting between these two sides was a memorable one for Boca fans. In March 2026, the Xeneize thrashed Lanús 3-0 away from home, with goals from Santiago Ascacíbar and a brace from Miguel Merentiel. That performance showcased Boca at their best, and the team will be hoping to replicate that display tonight.
Match officials and other fixtures
The referee for tonight's match will be Pablo Dóvalo, assisted by Cristian Navarro and Hugo Páez. The VAR team includes Germán Delfino and Javier Uziga.
In another Matchday 7 fixture, Unión de Santa Fe will host Sarmiento de Junín at the Estadio 15 de Abril, starting at 7:15 PM, with Pablo Echavarría as referee and broadcast on ESPN Premium.
Tonight promises to be a night of high emotion at La Bombonera. Boca needs a win to reignite their season and push toward the playoffs, while Lanús will look to spring a surprise and climb the table. Argentine football never stops, and this clash is one you won't want to miss.