Boca Juniors debuts in Copa Argentina with 2-0 win over Sarmiento

Boca Juniors began its 2026 second semester with a 2-0 victory over Sarmiento de Junín in the round of 32 of the Copa Argentina, played on Thursday July 16 at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa in Rosario. The match marked the official debut of coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena in his second stint at the club Source: Clarín, La Voz. Goals came from Alan Velasco (50') and Leonel Flores (70'), with Velasco stating he felt comfortable in his position and was happy with the win Source: El Colombiano.

New faces and absent Colombians

Several new signings saw action: Uruguayan right-back Leandro Lozano started, while Chileans Carlos Palacios and Williams Alarcón, and Paraguayan Ángel Romero came off the bench Source: El Colombiano. However, Colombian goalkeeper Álvaro Montero and winger Sebastián Villa, both recently acquired, were not available as their contracts had not yet been finalized. Montero arrived in Buenos Aires on July 14 for medicals, while Villa underwent medicals on July 12 but official announcement is pending Source: El Colombiano. Defender Nicolás Figal praised Villa, calling him the best of the Libertadores this semester and hoping he joins quickly Source: El Colombiano.

Context and next round

Boca had a poor first semester, missing Copa Libertadores group stage advancement Source: Clarín. Arruabarrena prepared with friendly wins against Athletico Paranaense and Defensa y Justicia Source: Clarín. Injuries to Adam Bareiro and Tomás Belmonte ruled them out Source: Clarín. The win sets up a round of 16 clash against Vélez Sarsfield, who defeated Gimnasia y Tiro de Salta 2-0 Source: El Colombiano.