Boca Juniors Make Changes Without Leandro Paredes: Will They Be More Attacking Against Recoleta?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Argentine club captain’s fitness, what’s happening with Enner Valencia, and more.

Valencia Waits for His Moment

Boca Juniors arrive in Asunción with an advantage that inspires confidence: their 3-1 first-leg victory over Deportivo Recoleta gives them some breathing room heading into the return leg, although much of the attention will be on Enner Valencia.

The 36-year-old Ecuadorian striker has received his first call-up since joining Xeneize and is preparing for a potential debut. All indications are that he will start on the bench and could come on in the second half, depending on how the match unfolds.

Valencia brings extensive international experience and is Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer. If his debut does come, it will take place on the continental stage, with Boca looking to secure their place in the quarterfinals.

Paredes OUT: Boca Change Their Plan

The biggest news ahead of the match was the absence of Leandro Paredes. The captain suffered a left hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw against Platense and was substituted at halftime. He will not travel to Paraguay.

His absence forces Arruabarrena to make changes to a midfield that had been developing around Paredes, Milton Delgado and Santiago Ascacíbar. The chosen adjustment also presents an interesting tactical possibility: Miguel Merentiel is set to take the captain’s spot, which could transform the usual 4-3-3 into a more attacking setup.

Boca will lose some control and composure in midfield but add another attacking player. With a 3-1 lead, Vasco appears unwilling to abandon his team’s attacking approach.

Costa and Gorosito Among the Other Changes

Paredes will not be the only absentee. Marco Pellegrino and Leandro Lozano have also been ruled out after suffering knocks against Platense.

Their replacements have already been decided: Ayrton Costa will come in for Pellegrino, while Dylan Gorosito will replace Lozano. Both are forced changes that should leave the defensive structure largely intact.

Three absences in a decisive match represent a challenge, but also an opportunity for Boca to prove that their team can maintain its form regardless of the names on the pitch.

Asunción Will Turn Blue and Gold

And if there is one thing that will not change, it is the support from the stands.

Recoleta have moved the match to Defensores del Chaco, a venue chosen to host a game that has outgrown their usual stadium. The Paraguayan club made 19,470 tickets available to Boca, nearly ten times the minimum allocation required for the visiting team.

Nearly 20,000 Xeneize supporters are therefore expected to attend, turning a continental away game into a night that could feel like a home match.

“The Biggest Club in the Continent”

The magnitude of Boca’s following has not gone unnoticed by Recoleta. Club president Luis Vidal explained why the Paraguayan side decided to give Boca supporters such a large allocation.

“We were praying to play Boca because they are the biggest club in the continent,” Vidal said.

For Recoleta, it will be a historic night. For Boca, it is an opportunity to confirm their progress, reach the quarterfinals and perhaps officially unveil one of their new stars.

Valencia waits for his moment. Paredes will watch from the sidelines. And Asunción is getting ready for a blue-and-gold celebration.