Boca Juniors rescued a draw in Ecuador against Independiente del Valle at the Banco Guayaquil Stadium, in the round of 32 of the Copa Sudamericana. Despite the multiple absences in its squad, the Xeneize team managed a laborious 0-0 draw in a very balanced development with few attractions.
The result is very important, since Mouth He played at altitude in Quito, but could have won if Miguel Merentiel had been more precise in the two opportunities he had against the goalkeeper, Wellington Ramírez.
The rematch will be played at the Bombonera, Mouth A victory by any margin will be enough to advance to the round of 16, where Cruzeiro of Brazil is already waiting. In the first quarter of the game, the Ecuadorian team, led by Argentine Javier Gandolfi, imposed conditions and was the one who came closest to the rival goal.
Boca, for its part, gambled on waiting for the home team to attack and counterattack. At the end of the first half, the Argentines had the most important opportunities. At 30 minutes, Julián Ceballos executed a free kick with good power, but somewhat centered, which Ramírez deflected to the corner.
Seven minutes later, Jabes Saralegui sent in a dangerous cross that Lautaro Di Lollo was unable to send into the back of the net. However, the best chance fell to Miguel Merentiel, who was one-on-one with Ramírez in the 46th minute, but he failed to convert and his shot went wide.
The second half started with more intensity. In the first few minutes, the home team had a good chance with a long shot from Ortiz, while Boca created danger with a run from Merentiel that could not be capitalized on.
Good debut
Independiente also tried to score through aerial play, but failed to score. At 25 minutes into the second half, Exequiel Zeballos, who had not played any minutes since October 2023, stole the ball from Independiente del Valle’s exit and left Merentiel one-on-one with Ramírez.
However, the Ecuadorian goalkeeper made an incredible save with his feet. Towards the end of the match, Santiago Dalmasso, a 20-year-old player from the club, made his full debut. Mouth faced a tough challenge in Ecuador, but managed a valuable draw that leaves them well positioned for the rematch at home.
