Boca celebrates at La Bombonera: defeats O'Higgins in Copa Sudamericana playoff first leg

Boca Juniors seized a vital 1-0 victory over O'Higgins in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana playoff, with Uruguayan forward Miguel Merentiel netting the decisive goal. The strike came in the 44th minute, set up by a precise assist from Leandro Paredes, marking a significant return for the midfielder who recently participated in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.

The Xeneize secured a narrow but important lead to carry into the second leg next Thursday in Chile. Despite a strong start from the visiting Chilean side, which saw several early chances created by Bryan Rabello and Francisco González, Boca's Colombian goalkeeper Álvaro Montero made crucial saves on his debut.

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The Xeneize began their Copa Sudamericana campaign on the right foot and achieved a lead advantage for the return leg next Thursday in Chile.

Leandro Paredes was instrumental in Boca's creative play from the midfield. The team also benefited from the incisive runs of winger Leonel Flores and Colombian Sebastián Villa on the left flank. While Boca sought to extend their lead in the second half, they couldn't capitalize on further opportunities, including a free-kick from Paredes and a header from Santiago Ascacíbar.

O'Higgins also had chances, particularly on the counter-attack, but lacked finishing effectiveness and were thwarted by Montero's solid performance. The winner of this tie will advance to the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 to face Recoleta of Paraguay.

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The only goal of the match was scored by the Uruguayan Miguel Merentiel, who in the 44th minute finished one-on-one against goalkeeper Omar Carabalí after an exquisite assist from Paredes behind the Chilean defenders.