Mon May 19 23:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Boca Juniors and Independiente Gear Up for Heated Quarter-Final Clash

**Buenos Aires, Argentina** – Boca Juniors and Independiente are set to face off in a highly anticipated quarter-final match, with both teams making last-minute adjustments to their starting lineups. The atmosphere is electric at La Bombonera as both squads have arrived and are undergoing pre-match warmups on the impeccably maintained pitch, despite recent rainfall.

Boca Juniors’ interim coach, Mariano Herrón, has opted to keep Marcos Rojo on the bench due to a recent illness, despite the captain’s desire to play. Edinson Cavani and Ander Herrera will also start on the bench. Boca will field: Agustín Marchesín; Lucas Blondel, Rodrigo Battaglia, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Carlos Palacios, Tomás Belmonte, Milton Delgado, Kevin Zenón; Miguel Merentiel, and Milton Giménez.

“We’re feeling good,” commented Kevin Zenón before the match. “We’ve worked hard this week, and we know it will be difficult. We want to be the protagonists, win, and go all the way. Playing at home is a huge advantage, we’re strong here, and we need to capitalize on that.”

Independiente’s coach, Julio Vaccari, has also made some surprising changes, opting for Matías Giménez Rojas over Gabriel Ávalos in attack and giving Lautaro Millán a starting berth in place of Diego Tarzia. The *Rojo* will start with: Rodrigo Rey; Federico Vera, Kevin Lomónaco, Sebastián Valdez, Álvaro Angulo; Felipe Loyola, Iván Marcone, Luciano Cabral; Santiago Montiel, Matías Giménez, and Lautaro Millán.

“This is a very important match,” said Millán. “We know a quarter-final against Boca is going to be very tough. We’ve prepared well this week, and it’s a dream to play in this game. It’s a *clásico* that will be decided by the small details.”

Vaccari’s squad arrived at La Bombonera earlier and inspected the field, ensuring they were ready for the battle ahead. The match promises to be a tense affair, with both teams vying for a spot in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, in other tournament news, Huracán has already secured their place in the semi-finals after a surprising 1-0 victory over Rosario Central.

Finally, a note on a key Boca player: Striker Darío Benedetto has been noted for his fiery temper in recent games rather than the goals he’s known for.

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