Claudio Úbeda welcomed Boca's rotation, but warned: “we shouldn't...” | OneFootball

Claudio Úbeda’s Boca wrapped up its participation in the regular phase of the 2026 Torneo Apertura with an important 2-1 win over Central Córdoba. Goals from Velasco and Giménez not only left the team at the top of its group, but also gave playing time to several players in an alternative lineup. However, in the post-match press conference, the coach gave an assessment with a hint of self-criticism while already looking ahead to what comes next.

Far from being satisfied only with the three points and top spot in the tournament, the coach analyzed the final stretch of the match, when the home side’s goal created some tension in the result. “First of all, the satisfaction of having won the match, which in the end is the most important thing. Within this rotation, it is also important that all the players get minutes, and that helped us as well,” the coach began.

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Despite the joy, Claudio Úbeda did not hide his dissatisfaction with the lack of sharpness to put the game away before the final whistle: “The truth is, I was left with a bit of a bitter taste because we should have finished the match earlier and taken advantage of the chances we created. We should not have suffered, but Argentine football is like that. When they score from a set piece, which I think was their only real chance, plus one long-range shot, it puts you under a bit of pressure near the end of the match. But these are things that have to help us for what lies ahead.”

To clear up any doubts about the overall performance of a starting eleven that featured massive changes compared to the usual first-choice team, El Sifón quickly clarified his own remarks and highlighted the high level shown by his players. “Let’s not confuse that bitter taste with things having gone badly, no. The team played well, the team won, the team created chances,” he explained firmly.

In that sense, he praised the collective effort and the fight for a place in the team: “Obviously, what we want is to try to control the match better in the second half so we do not have to go through these kinds of situations that can lead to an equalizer near the end. From that standpoint, I really value the team’s overall performance.”

Boca’s celebration in Santiago. Photo: Fede Chara/Clarín.

Along the same lines, he added: “There were very good performances within the team from players who are not usually starters, but I think they played a very good match, and that shows us that we still have internal competition that helps raise the team’s overall level.”

Claudio Úbeda and what comes next for the team

The schedule offers no respite, and Boca must turn the page immediately. This Tuesday, the Xeneize will host Barcelona SC for the fourth matchday of the Copa Libertadores, a pivotal match for its continental ambitions. Aware of this responsibility, Úbeda ended his remarks by sending a direct message to the squad about the commitment required at this stage of the season.

The Xeneize will play again on Tuesday in the Copa Libertadores.

“The group is doing very well. We are fully aware that we have these 20 to 25 packed days of matches; that we have to stay focused, rest, get ourselves right, have everyone ready, so that each player can try to earn a place in the eleven and fight to be included,” the head coach stressed.

Lastly, he celebrated the emotional boost this latest win in Santiago represents: “Within the progress we have been making, I think it is good that we also got this win today, because on one hand it leaves us with the possibility of continuing to decide things at home ourselves. And Tuesday’s match is also important, because we understand that it is an opponent we should try to beat in order to have more peace of mind.”

Keep reading:

How Boca finished in the standings and who their opponent will be in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Torneo Apertura

Boca’s player ratings in the win over Central Córdoba

Boca beat Central Córdoba and reached the top on the final matchday of the Apertura

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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