It being Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s first match in charge of Boca was just about the only thing of interest in what was otherwise a coma-inducing goalless draw with Racing. The commentators summed it up perfectly at full-time – “No crowd and no football” – in reference to La Bombonera being empty as Boca completed their punishment for the attack on River Plate players during last year’s competition.
Neither side looked much like scoring and although Boca saw more of the ball, this did not translate into chances and Sebastián Saja was rarely called into action. Racing defended well but will be rocked by the news that Luciano Lollo has broken a metatarsal and faces a couple of months on the sidelines.
For Boca, it was far too early to take anything from Schelotto’s first match. After just one training session, the 42-year-old coach hadn’t had time to implement any new ideas. However, Boca switched to a 4-3-3 and pressed intensely, something which was seen by Mellizo’s Lanús side. Whether Boca currently have the personnel to carry this out remains to be seen and certainly on Thursday night despite seeing plenty of the ball there was a lack of creativity.
Sunday’s Superclásico is another huge early test for the new look Boca. The draw last night certainly favours Racing after their victory against Bolívar previously. Facundo Sava’s side sit top of group three on four points and Boca must travel to Bolivia next knowing that defeat would make qualification far more complicated.
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