Juan Román Riquelme, president of Boca Juniors, met with the squad and technical staff after a 2-1 defeat to Vélez Sarsfield. Coach Claudio Úbeda decided to advance training to this Monday and voiced concerns over the team's performance. The meeting aims to improve ahead of the next match against Platense.
Boca Juniors suffered a 2-1 defeat to Vélez Sarsfield on Sunday at the José Amalfitani stadium, in the fourth round of the 2026 Apertura Tournament. Vélez, the undefeated leader of Zone A, prevailed with two quick goals from Matías Pellegrini in the 63rd and 66th minutes, while Iker Zufiaurre pulled one back for Boca late on with a shot from outside the area.
The first half was even, with intensity in midfield and few clear chances, ending 0-0. In the second half, Vélez's burst left the Xeneize on the brink of collapse, though the discount came too late to chase a tie. The match was refereed by Nazareno Arasa, with Nicolás Ramírez on VAR.
Following the setback, president Juan Román Riquelme met with the players and the technical staff led by Claudio Úbeda. Initial details of the talk reveal a focus on correcting mistakes, according to reports.
Úbeda, acknowledging the poor level shown, altered the schedule and set training for this Monday afternoon, instead of the original Tuesday. "It wasn't a good game. I'm worried because Boca has to go out to win everywhere and play much better," the coach admitted. He added: "We lacked a bit more play and attacking intent".
Regarding a niggle for fullback Juan Barinaga, substituted in the second half, Úbeda said it does not seem serious. Boca, with this second away loss, prepares to face Platense on Sunday at 7:30 PM at La Bombonera, for the fifth round, aiming to recover.
