Boca Juniors advances to Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals with decisive win

Boca Juniors advanced to the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals after defeating Deportivo Recoleta, with midfielder Santiago Ascacíbar leading the charge with a crucial opening goal. Ascacíbar's aerial prowess was on full display as he headed home a cross in the second leg of their round of 16 match at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción.

Ascacíbar's goal marked his eighth in just 27 appearances for Boca, a remarkable tally for a player whose primary role is defensive. This consistent scoring highlights his ability to interpret game situations, make timely runs from deep, and occupy dangerous spaces in the opponent's penalty area. Notably, his first six goals for the club were from open play, showcasing his versatility before adding another header against Recoleta.

The victory was further solidified by goals from forwards Sebastián Villa and Miguel Merentiel. Ascacíbar's contribution was particularly significant, as he had also scored in the first leg against Recoleta, helping Boca overcome an initial deficit. His scoring frequency has made him one of Boca's top scorers, demonstrating a valuable attacking dimension to his game.

Ascacíbar retains his core strengths of intensity, pressing, ball recovery, and work rate, but has added a potent goal-scoring threat, a quality rarely seen in a central midfielder. This evolution in his play has become a key asset for Boca Juniors as they progress in the Copa Sudamericana.