Boca Juniors president Riquelme travels to Chile for crucial Copa Sudamericana clash with O’Higgins

Boca Juniors president Juan Román Riquelme made the trip to Chile on Thursday, arriving in Rancagua just hours before the team’s decisive Copa Sudamericana round of 16 second leg against O’Higgins. The former club idol and current board chairman joined the squad at their hotel shortly after midday local time, continuing a habit he has maintained since taking office: travelling with the team whenever they cross Argentine borders.

Riquelme landed in Santiago shortly after 13:30 local time and then travelled to Rancagua, where the team is staying ahead of the match at Estadio El Teniente. Upon entering the hotel, he was greeted by a group of Boca fans who had gathered at the entrance, separated by a barrier. Riquelme stopped to pose for photos and sign autographs, a gesture that has become customary during his away trips with the squad.

Por que importa

The president’s presence underlines the importance of the fixture for Boca. The club holds a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg played at La Bombonera, but the tie remains wide open. O’Higgins, playing at home in Rancagua, will look to overturn the deficit and advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Riquelme’s travel to Chile comes as no surprise to those familiar with his management style. In a recent interview with Ole, he stated: “It is always an obligation to win here. Obligation. Always. Compete until the end. Always try to win. Always try to give titles and joy to our fans. In the end, that’s what we are here for. Every semester we start with great excitement.” His words reflect the pressure on Boca to progress in the competition, especially after the club’s Libertadores hopes ended earlier this season.

Contexto

The Copa Sudamericana has become the primary focus for Boca in the second half of the year. The club’s supporters regard the tournament as the main objective of the semester, and Riquelme’s decision to join the team in Chile signals that the board is fully behind the coach and players.

What is at stake

A win or draw for Boca would see them advance to the quarter-finals, keeping alive their chance of winning the continental trophy. A loss by two or more goals would eliminate them. O’Higgins, meanwhile, are motivated by the chance to eliminate a giant of South American football. The Chilean side’s president has a past connection to Boca, adding an extra layer of narrative to the contest.

The match will be played at Estadio El Teniente, a venue with a capacity of around 14,000. Boca fans in Chile are expected to turn out in numbers, and the club’s travelling support will be vocal in the stands.

Riquelme’s presence in the hotel and his interaction with fans have already generated positive coverage on social media and in Argentine sports media. The president’s hands-on approach has been a hallmark of his tenure, and this trip is another example of his commitment to being close to the team on the road.

For Boca, the match represents more than just a tie. A strong performance in the Copa Sudamericana would provide a boost to the club’s season and help restore confidence after a mixed campaign in domestic competition. The squad, led by coach Vasco Arruabarrena, will be aware that a failure to progress could raise questions about the direction of the side.

The match kicks off at 21:30 local time in Chile, which is 21:30 in Buenos Aires and 00:30 UTC. Broadcast details for international viewers are available on the official Copa Sudamericana channels.

Source: Ole – original article (in Spanish) at https://www.ole.com.ar/boca-juniors/boca-chile-rancagua-riquelme-llego-hotel-equipo-plantel-partido-sudamericana_0_2Gmwm0oxHO.html. Additional context on the first leg score and tournament format derived from official Copa Sudamericana sources.