Boca Juniors steps up preparation in Rio de Janeiro, using Flamengo’s facilities ahead of a crucial Copa Sudamericana match.
The city of Rio de Janeiro has become a strategic hub for South American football this week. The Boca Juniors (ARG) delegation arrived on Sunday, 18, and wasted no time, holding a tactical training session at Ninho do Urubu, Flamengo‘s training ground, on Monday morning, 19. This move comes at a decisive moment for the Argentine club.
The Buenos Aires side is in Brazil with a clear objective: to overturn their deficit against Vasco in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals. The match is scheduled for this Tuesday, 20, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at the iconic Maracanã stadium. The choice of their rival’s training facility, Flamengo, for their final preparations drew attention and was shared on social media, featuring a photo of José Boto, Flamengo‘s director of football, meeting with Marcelo Delgado, Boca Juniors‘ sporting director, at Ninho do Urubu.
Boca Juniors’ Situation in the Semifinals
Boca Juniors‘ journey to this stage of the Sudamericana was hindered by a disappointing home result. Last Tuesday, 13, the Argentine side stumbled against Vasco at the Bombonera, suffering a 1-0 defeat. This loss leaves Boca Juniors in desperate need of a victory by a margin of two or more goals to secure their spot in the continental tournament’s grand final.
Maracanã Set as the Stage for the Decider
Following a lengthy legal dispute, Vasco obtained clearance to host the decisive clash against Boca Juniors at the Maracanã. The legendary stadium will serve as the venue where the tournament finalist will be decided. The winner of this semifinal will face the victor of the matchup between Atlético-MG and Montevideo City Torque (URU) in a final set to take place in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Flamengo Focuses on the Libertadores
While Boca Juniors used Ninho do Urubu, the Flamengo squad was also hard at work at the training center. The Rubro-Negro’s focus is entirely locked on the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, where they will face Estudiantes (ARG). The first leg between the teams ended in a scoreless draw at the Estadio Único in La Plata.
With a simple win at home, Flamengo will secure their place in the Libertadores final. The Rubro-Negro fanbase is expected to pack the Maracanã to support the team in pursuit of this goal. For those looking to follow the action, the match between Flamengo and Estudiantes takes place this Thursday, 22, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time).
Full coverage will be provided by Coluna do Fla TV on YouTube, as well as their website and social media channels, with additional broadcasts on ESPN and Disney+.
