Rio de Janeiro will host a Copa Sudamericana semi-final with Vasco carrying a narrow advantage from Buenos Aires, while Boca Juniors have taken their captain Leandro Paredes to Brazil in the hope that he can yet feature at the Maracanã.
Vasco won the first leg 1-0 at La Bombonera, leaving Boca with work to do in Tuesday’s return match. The Argentine side’s preparations have been shaped by the fitness race of Paredes, the 2022 World Cup winner.
Quick facts
- Vasco beat Boca Juniors 1-0 in the first semi-final leg at La Bombonera.
- The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro.
- Boca captain Leandro Paredes travelled with the squad as he continues treatment on a muscle injury.
- Paredes was injured against Instituto on 9 October and has missed Boca’s last two matches.
- Boca defeated Talleres 2-1 in the Argentine championship on Friday.
Paredes suffered the problem against Instituto on 9 October. He had not begun that match, having been among the players rested by the coach, but came on 10 minutes into the second half and was forced to stop after only 15 minutes on the pitch.
The midfielder was absent when Vasco claimed their first-leg win in Buenos Aires. He also missed Boca’s 2-1 domestic victory over Talleres on Friday.
Boca have nevertheless included Paredes in their travelling party for Rio. He will continue his recovery work there, with the club intending to wait as long as possible before deciding whether their captain can be used in the match that will determine a place in the Sudamericana final.
For Vasco, the task is to defend a one-goal lead far from the Bombonera and finish the job in one of Brazil’s most familiar football settings. Boca, meanwhile, arrive needing a response and hoping their midfield leader can become part of it.
