Boca vs Independiente
Boca Juniors, who finished second in Group A, delivered a disappointing performance in the round of 16 but still managed to beat Lanús on penalties after a fortunate 0-0 draw at home, with Mariano Herrón serving as interim coach. In what has otherwise been a solid Torneo Apertura campaign, El Xeneize are winless in their last three matches in regular time (two draws and one loss). However, they remain unbeaten in their last 15 home games, with 11 wins and four draws. Edinson Cavani, Ander Herrera, and Luis Advíncula remain sidelined due to injury.
Independiente, who finished third in Group B, overcame a tough challenge in the round of 16 of the Torneo Apertura: with a stunning goal from Santiago Montiel in the 57th minute, they won 1-0 over a brave Independiente Rivadavia side at home to continue chasing their first league title in over 20 years. El Rojo ended a three-match winless streak in the competition (one draw and two losses). However, Julio Vaccari’s team has earned just one point from their last three league away matches. On Thursday, May 15, Independiente won 1-0 at home over Club Guaraní for Matchday 5 of the Copa Sudamericana. Gabriel Ávalos is fit to return from injury.
Boca can’t recover from losing the Superclasico against River a few weeks ago. They are still under an interim coach, their fans were very angry after last week’s scoreless draw against Lanus. To make things worse again they won’t have legendary striker Edinson Cavani and will have to face this in form Independiente that should be able to at least avoid a defeat in this derby.