Boca comes back against Recoleta to strike first in Copa Sudamericana round of 16

Boca Juniors staged a second-half comeback to secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Paraguay's Deportivo Recoleta in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana round of 16 tie. The Argentine club trailed early but rallied to build a significant advantage heading into the return match in Asunción.

Deportivo Recoleta took a surprise lead in the fifth minute through Pedro Ríos, whose shot deflected into the net. However, the Paraguayan side's task became considerably harder when Wilfrido Báez received a straight red card just before halftime. This numerical advantage allowed Boca to dominate the second half.

Santiago Ascacíbar headed home the equalizer in the 49th minute, and Milton Delgado quickly added a second with another header two minutes later. The impressive comeback was sealed in the 62nd minute by a spectacular strike from Leonel Flores, giving Boca a comfortable lead. Despite numerous shots and hitting the woodwork four times, Boca could not extend their advantage further, especially after Dairon Mosquera was also sent off for Recoleta in the 69th minute, reducing them to nine men.

The return leg is scheduled for next Tuesday in Asunción. The winner of this tie will advance to face the victor of the match between São Paulo and Bolívar.