Boca Juniors (Argentina) – Independiente del Valle (Ecuador)
Boca Juniors had enough to avoid the defeat on their visit to Independiente del Valle last Wednesday despite handing over 15 absences, which means they just need to win at home in order to reach the round-of-16. On Sunday, El Xeneize drew 2-2 away at Defensa y Justicia to make it eight points in six Liga Profesional matches, holding onto their Copa Sudamericana spots for next season so far. Diego Martinez’s men have been unbeaten in their last four in all competitions (two wins and two draws). In fact, Boca hold a 15-game undefeated streak at Estadio La Bombonera, winning ten and drawing five.
Independiente del Valle weren’t able to take home advantage last week and had to settle for a disappointing scoreless stalemate against Boca Juniors in an uneventful match. While waiting for the Ecuadorian league to resume (they lifted the first stage title), Javier Gandolfi’s men rested last weekend: they are now holding a five-match unbeaten streak of three victories and two draws in all competitions. On away turf, IDV won four, drew four and lost two in 2024.
Independiente del Valle was quite disappointing last week at home where they couldn’t use the altitude of Quito to their advantage as well as Boca having lots of missings. While Boca will still miss some players, they will have back veteran defenders Lema and Marcos Rojo, as well as legendary striker Edinson Cavani and I think this should be enough for them to win and advance to the Round of 16.