Boca Juniors Faces Off Against Defensa y Justicia in Crucial Match

Florencio Varela, Argentina — Boca Juniors takes the field today against Defensa y Justicia in a must-win match for their Copa Libertadores qualification hopes. The game, part of the Torneo Clausura 2025, kicks off at 19:00 local time at the Estadio Norberto Tomaghello.

After recent draws against Central Córdoba and Rosario Central, Boca, currently fourth in Zone A with 14 points, needs a victory to maintain their position in the standings. Any points lost could jeopardize their chances of qualifying for next year’s Copa Libertadores.

Defensa y Justicia, coached by Mariano Soso, sits in eighth place with 12 points and is looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses. “We need to turn this around and playing at home gives us an advantage,” Soso stated before the match.

Boca’s lineup features Agustín Marchesín in goal, supported by Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, and Lautaro Blanco in defense. Brian Aguirre, Rodrigo Battaglia, and Leandro Paredes bolster the midfield, while Alan Velasco replaces the injured Carlos Palacios. The forward line includes Miguel Merentiel and Milton Giménez.

Claudio Úbeda, stepping in for head coach Miguel Ángel Russo, who is recovering at home after a recent hospitalization, has prepped the team well. “We want to secure the points not just for ourselves but also for Miguel,” stated Paredes, Boca’s captain. “It’s a crucial match for us.”

As the players warm up, about 3,000 Boca fans have made the trip to Florencio Varela to support their team. The match is also significant for Defensa y Justicia, who aim to secure a spot in the playoffs for the Copa Sudamericana.

The referee for today’s match is Jorge Baliño. Live coverage of the game will be available on TNT Sports.