Why Boca is also looking at the Copa Libertadores rematches and what it needs to seal its classification this week

Boca is with his head in the rematch of the round of 16 of the South American Cup ante Cruise. The comeback against San Lorenzo was an unbeatable emotional boost for the trip to Belo Horizonte for the match next Thursday. But with the corner of his eye he also observes what is happening in the Copa Libertadores. The fact is that, almost simultaneously with the defense of the 1-0 they achieved in La Bombonera, Their classification to the 2025 Club World Cup could be decidedthe massive tournament that FIFA will organize in the United States.

Boca could join its eternal rival Riverand the Brazilians Palm trees, Flemish y Fluminense if there are a series of favorable results for them during the second leg of the round of 16.

Given that each of them has won the last three editions of the top continental competition, Brazil’s big three have already secured their participation in the tournament, which they will play for the first time 32 teams. River’s presence in the United States is also assured, either as a possible South American champion in 2024 or through ranking.

Having failed to qualify for this year’s Libertadores, Boca only has the second option left, and its place depends on the elimination of two other Argentine clubs, San Lorenzo y Córdoba Workshopsand that Nacional of Uruguay also falls by the wayside.

As for the Club World Cup they can only qualify two clubs per country (continental champions apart), San Lorenzo y Workshops They would only accompany River as representatives of Argentina winning the Libertadores, whose final will be held on November 30 in Buenos Aires.

The ‘Ciclón’ was ruled out for this even before their 1-1 in the first leg of the round of 16 against the Brazilians of Atlético Mineiro, and Talleres had the door closed with their 0-1 against River.

Nacional de Montevideo is the only team that, due to Conmebol ranking, can take away that possibility. On Thursday they will define the series against San Pablo as a visitor, after the 0-0 draw in Uruguay.

If it wants to access one of the two remaining South American places, Nacional needs to be champion or surpass Boca in the classification. For this need 15 pointsor, what is the same, reach at least the semifinals of the Libertadores by beating two Brazilian teams: both to Saint Paul and to Botafogo o Palm trees in quarters.

Had they beaten San Paulo in Montevideo in the first leg, Nacional would have occupied the position of Olympia of Paraguay as the best third non-Brazilian team in the ranking; Now both are left with 57 points, and the ‘Bolso’ will be able to surpass it if they do not lose on August 22 or even if they are eliminated in the penalty shootout.

A third World Cup place through the table would be available if any of the last three Copa Libertadores champions (Palmeiras, Flamengo or Fluminense) repeat the title this year. In addition, if River becomes champion, the first two non-Brazilian clubs with the most points would accompany them in the North American event in 2025.

Of the 32 teams that will be present in the Club World Cup, there are already 29 confirmed participants. Only the two Conmebol tickets remain to be defined and one more that will be defined by the host country, in this case the MLS.

Manchester City (England)

Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

Atlético de Madrid (Spain)

Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)

Rayados from Monterrey (Mexico)

Seattle Sounders (United States)

Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

Al Ain (United Arab Emirates)

Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Auckland City (New Zealand)