Boca had the support of its fans in Rio before the rematch with Vasco da Gama

A group of Boca fans took over Posto 1, on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, to show their support on the eve of the rematch against Vasco da Gama. The scene came one day before the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals, which will be played this Tuesday at the iconic Maracaná.

The banderazo made it clear that the atmosphere around Arruabarrena's team is being played out off the pitch as well. In a tough tie with plenty at stake, the fans' presence set the tone for a clash that could send Xeneize into the continental final.

Xeneize, backed in Rio

Boca also had institutional and work activity during its stay in Brazil. The delegation was welcomed by Flamengo officials on the eve of the match with Vasco, while the squad trained at Ninho do Urubu with its sights set on the semifinal.

In that setting, Chelo Delgado exchanged shirts with the club executives, as a sign of cordiality in the middle of a week of maximum sporting tension.

The uncertainty over Paredes and the warning about Vasco

Ahead of the match, Arruabarrena also spoke about Leandro Paredes's presence in the rematch. The coach explained how the captain is feeling and left the question open over his chances of getting minutes.

Arruabarrena: “He wants to be there, but...”

On the other side, Vasco da Gama received bad news before the return leg. The Brazilian side arrives hampered for a match that will decide who advances to the final of the Sudamericana 2026, a stage where Boca aims to stand tall with personality and build on what it has been putting together in this series.

A buildup with a final feel

The beach scene, training at Flamengo's complex and the anticipation over Paredes make for a packed buildup. Boca is already in definition mode. And in Rio, with the sea in the background and the Maracaná close by, everything smells like a big night.