Defense changes? What Gago plans for Boca against Alianza Lima | OneFootball

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With the tranquility of having returned to victory in the local tournament, with a costly win against Banfield in the South, Boca Juniors is already preparing for their important duel in the preliminary phase of Copa Libertadores 2025, against Alianza Lima in Peru.

The coach Fernando Gago will have to, once again, solve the problem of some important absences.

Two of the team's references, such as Marcos Rojo and Edinson Cavani, will not be traveling to Lima due to injury. Neither will Luis Advíncula, who is suspended. The squad leaves this Sunday for Peru.

Does the three-man line return to the back?

Everything indicates that in his visit to Alianza Lima, Gago may return to fielding a team with three center-backs in the back.

Lautaro Di Lollo —author of the winning goal against Taladro—, Ayrton Costa —expelled in Florencio Sola— and Rodrigo Battaglia would form the three-man line, in front of goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín.

Although Frank Fabra returns to Boca's official call-up for the Libertadores, the left-back position would be occupied by Marcelo Saracchi, who is consolidating his position, while Juan Barinaga would play on the right, after a good performance in La Bombonera against Independiente Rivadavia. As mentioned, Advíncula is suspended, while Lucas Blondel is still lacking in football, according to the coach's consideration.

Camilo Rey Domenech and Williams Alarcón would occupy the midfield, while Gago's doubts at this time remain in the attack. In the front three, Carlos Palacios and Miguel Merentiel would likely start, but Alan Velasco, Exequiel Zeballos, and Milton Giménez are competing for a spot in the starting eleven.

Boca faces Alianza Lima this Tuesday to seek a place in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores 2025. The rematch, at La Bombonera, will be the following Tuesday. If they advance, Gago's team will still have another preliminary instance before the group stage, where they will face the winner between Deportes Iquique and Independiente Santa Fe.

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