Boca Juniors Faces Independiente Rivadavia in Crucial Clash

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Boca Juniors is set to host Independiente Rivadavia in a key match for both teams on Tuesday, February 11, at 8 p.m. at La Bombonera. This encounter marks the fifth round of the 2025 Apertura Tournament, with Boca seeking desperately to recover after a recent defeat.

After losing to Racing Club 2-0, Boca finds itself in a precarious position, currently sitting in 11th place in Zone A with only five points, garnered from one win, two draws, and one loss. Head coach Fernando Gago emphasized the need for a victory to improve their standing in the league. ‘We need to turn the page and focus on winning at home; our fans expect nothing less,’ he stated ahead of the match.

Independiente Rivadavia, on the other hand, has had a strong start to the year, sitting in fifth place with eight points, accumulating two wins and two draws, making them one of only three unbeaten teams in Zone A along with Argentinos Juniors and Estudiantes. ‘We feel confident coming off a solid performance,’ said Rivadavia’s coach Alfredo Berti, highlighting their aim for a positive result at La Bombonera.

Following Boca’s tough loss and with a demanding schedule ahead, including a match against Banfield just days later, Gago is contemplating a rotation of players. The absence of key players, including Kevin Zenón due to suspension and Carlos Palacios due to a gastric illness, poses a challenge for the team. In their place, Boca may field new faces in their lineup.

The probable lineup for Boca Juniors includes goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín, with defenders Luis Advíncula, Rodrigo Battaglia, and Ayrton Costa taking their respective positions. In midfield, Camilo Rey Domenech and Williams Alarcón may be entrusted with playmaking duties, while veteran Edinson Cavani leads the attack alongside Alan Velasco and Miguel Merentiel.

Independiente Rivadavia’s lineup features Ezequiel Centurión in goal, with defenders Mauro Peinipil and Iván Villalba anchoring the backline. Their midfield will be bolstered by Mauricio Cardillo and Maximiliano Amarfil, while forwards Luis Sequeira and Sebastián Villa will aim to exploit any defensive gaps from Boca.

The match presents an opportunity for Boca to assert itself at home amid challenging circumstances, while Independiente Rivadavia hopes to make history as it marks their first official match at La Bombonera. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with Boca fans eager for a turnaround and Rivadavia fans hopeful for an upset.

The match will be televised live on TNT Sports. Fans can also follow the action through various streaming platforms such as DGO and Flow.