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Boca vs. O’Higgins in Copa Sudamericana: Villa's return sparks debate
🇦🇷 Argentina /Sports

Boca vs. O’Higgins in Copa Sudamericana: Villa's return sparks debate

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Boca Juniors will face O'Higgins of Chile in the Copa Sudamericana round of 32.
  • The first leg will be played at Boca's home stadium, La Bombonera, on July 23, with the second leg on July 30 in Rancagua.
  • The match has drawn attention due to the potential official debut of Sebastián Villa, whose return has been supported by club president Juan Román Riquelme despite ongoing legal issues.

Boca Juniors enters the Copa Sudamericana knockout stage, facing O'Higgins of Chile in the round of 32. After a disappointing Copa Libertadores group stage, Boca aims to advance in the continent's second-tier club competition. The first leg is scheduled for July 23 at La Bombonera, with the return fixture taking place on July 30 in Rancagua.

No one questioned anything when he was in Mendoza [in Independiente Rivadavia]. He has already served his sentence.

— Juan Román RiquelmeBoca Juniors president Juan Román Riquelme defended the potential return of Sebastián Villa, referencing his past legal situation.

The match, kicking off at 9:30 PM Argentinian time, will be broadcast on ESPN and available through online streaming platforms like Flow, DGO, and Disney+ Premium. This encounter marks the first official meeting between the two clubs, establishing a new historical record between them. The winner of this tie will proceed to face Fortaleza of Paraguay in the round of 16.

I am the president, not the coach, but it seems I am by how you ask me. We are happy with every player who arrives at the club. We think it is to improve what we have. We always want a more competitive squad.

— Juan Román RiquelmeBoca Juniors president Juan Román Riquelme discussed player acquisitions and the team's competitiveness.

A significant talking point surrounding this match is the potential official return of Sebastián Villa for Boca. His inclusion has been met with controversy due to ongoing gender-based violence and sexual abuse allegations. Club president Juan Román Riquelme publicly backed Villa, stating, "No one questioned anything when he was in Mendoza [at Independiente Rivadavia]. He has already served his sentence." Riquelme emphasized his role as president, not coach, and expressed satisfaction with new signings, aiming to strengthen the squad.

When we had the luck that he was in the club we have lived quite rare moments; I was a footballer and I have lived it closely.

— Juan Román RiquelmeBoca Juniors president Juan Román Riquelme commented on the unusual circumstances surrounding Sebastián Villa's presence at the club.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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