Merentiel Shines as Boca May Stick With Winning Lineup for Superclásico

Following their 2-0 victory over Estudiantes, Boca Juniors are considering fielding the same starting XI for Sunday’s Superclásico against River Plate, TyC Sports reports. Coach Fernando Gago, pleased with the team’s performance, will evaluate his players during training starting Tuesday after a brief rest period.

Miguel Merentiel, who scored and assisted over the weekend, made a strong case for inclusion alongside Edinson Cavani in the forward line. With key attacking option Milton Giménez still recovering from an ankle injury, Merentiel appears set to retain his place.

Gago avoided direct comments about his lineup after the Estudiantes win but hinted at his selection logic: “On Tuesday I’ll see who’s best.” His statement points to fitness tests this week for two players typically in the starting eleven. Ander Herrera is nearing the end of his recovery from a right thigh injury, while Giménez will also be monitored.

If Herrera and Giménez are not ready, Gago is likely to repeat the team that performed convincingly last time out. The probable lineup: Marchesín; Advíncula, Battaglia, Rojo, Blanco; Belmonte, Delgado, Zenón; Palacios; Merentiel and Cavani.

Boca will arrive at the Monumental with fresher legs, unlike River, who have a midweek Libertadores fixture in Quito. Yet the challenge remains immense. Sunday’s clash promises a high-stakes battle where every decision—from lineup choices to tactical execution—could define the direction of the season.