- The right-back joined Boca Juniors in the latest transfer window and quickly established himself as the first-choice option on the flank.
- Lozano scored at the MorumBIS against São Paulo, a crucial contribution as the ‘Xeneize’ secured a place in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana Semi-finals.
It was a special night for Leandro Lozano. The Uruguayan right-back enjoyed an unforgettable evening in the 1-1 draw against São Paulo at the MorumBIS: he scored Boca Juniors’ goal and produced a decisive contribution as the ‘Xeneize’ returned to the CONMEBOL Sudamericana Semi-finals for the first time since 2014. Just a few months after joining the club, he already has a performance to rank among his best memories in blue and gold.
In a knockout tie between two giants of the continent, his attacking contribution proved decisive. Boca had travelled to Brazil with the 1-0 advantage earned at ‘La Bombonera’, but still faced a demanding second leg. In the second half, Lozano took his chance and opened the scoring to extend Boca’s aggregate lead. São Paulo’s later equaliser was not enough to change the outcome of the tie, as the Argentine side sealed qualification with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The goal capped a rapid adaptation. Signed during the latest transfer window, the Uruguayan found his place on the right flank and established himself as the first-choice right-back. His night at the MorumBIS allowed him to add an especially valuable contribution to that consistency: a goal on a high-pressure stage, with a place in the Semi-finals at stake. A constant presence going forward, Lozano has carried the strong performances he produced for Argentinos Juniors into Boca’s defence.
For Boca, his presence is becoming increasingly important. After several unsuccessful options in the position in recent years, Lozano arrived to replace the transferred Marcelo Weigandt and Juan Barinaga. With academy player Dylan Gorosito as the only alternative, Lozano began the second half of the season as the starter and reclaimed his place after an injury. His impact has been clear, both defensively and through his attacking runs.
The night at the MorumBIS represented another step forward in his continental career. Lozano scored the fourth goal of his career in CONMEBOL competitions, in which he has made 33 appearances, and his first for Boca. The figure took on even greater significance because of the context: his first international goal for the ‘Xeneize’ came away from home in the match that decided whether the team would remain in the competition.
His attacking contribution also complemented one of Boca’s main strengths in this edition. The Argentine side have conceded just three goals in six matches and have built their progress on defensive solidity. Within that structure, Lozano has established himself in a position that demands concentration in defence and good judgement when choosing when to join the attack. In Brazil, one of those forward runs proved decisive.
