Boca Juniors triumph 1‑0 over Athletico Paranaense in Salta

Boca Juniors, under Rodolfo Arruabarrena, opened its second pre‑season phase with a 1‑0 win against Athletico Paranaense at Padre Martearena stadium. Leandro Blanco scored the only goal, while a debutant received a controversial kick. In the Liga Profesional Argentina, Boca sits first with 29 points (8W‑5D‑3L) and a +16 goal difference, four points ahead of Unión Santa Fe.

What did Arruabarrena's new 4‑3‑4 reveal?

Arruabarrena reinstated the 4‑3‑3 system he used in 2014‑15, placing Milton Delgado as the pivot and Santiago Ascacíbar and Tomás Belmonte on the sides of midfield. The forwards applied high pressure from the start; midfielders moved without the ball to compress space. While a friendly lacks league intensity, the tactical shape hinted at the direction the squad will take once Leandro Paredes returns from the World Cup.

Who debuted and what issues emerged?

Two youngsters earned minutes: right‑back Leandro Lozano, the newest signing, and 19‑year‑old winger Leonel Flores, a reserve standout praised by Paredes. Defensively, the side showed mis‑alignments on both flanks, allowing Brazilian counter‑attacks that forced Boca to retreat. Gaps between the back line and midfielders produced two dangerous approaches that, luckily, did not turn into goals.

What lies ahead for Boca after the friendly?

The next test arrives on Thursday, when Boca meets Sarmiento in the round of 16 of the Copa Argentina. With the league table in their favor—Boca leads with 29 pts and a recent form of WWWWL—the margin for error is thin. The return of Leandro Paredes from the United States will be key to cementing Arruabarrena's system. Xeneizes hope the blend of experience and youth will keep the club on top while the coach fine‑tunes the defensive lapses exposed in Salta.