boca juniors - platense: Kickoff, lineups and what to watch at La Bombonera
Boca Juniors will receive Platense at La Bombonera on Sunday, February 15, 2026, for the fifth round of the Torneo Apertura. Kickoff is scheduled for 5: 30 PM ET. The match arrives with plenty of storylines: a high-profile return to the squad, home form that has buoyed the hosts, and a visiting side hunting a breakthrough at one of Argentine football’s most hostile venues.
When, where and broadcast
The fixture kicks off at 5: 30 PM ET on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Estadio Alberto J. Armando (La Bombonera). The match will be shown on a pay sports channel carrying Argentine Primera División fixtures; check your local listings if you plan to watch live. Sebastián Zunino will take charge of the game as referee.
Team news and likely lineups
Boca’s squad lists include a notable name: Edinson Cavani has been called back after recovering from a lumbalgia that kept him out of recent matchday squads. The Uruguayan turned 39 on the weekend and is available for selection after a prolonged run of physical setbacks through 2025, which included vertebra and muscle injuries and a difficult spell to regain rhythm. His last official goal for the club came from the penalty spot on November 17, 2025; he has not completed 90 minutes since September 2025.
Claudio Úbeda’s probable XI blends experienced heads with attacking options: Agustín Marchesín in goal; a backline with Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa and Lautaro Blanco; a midfield pivot featuring Leandro Paredes and Santiago Ascacíbar; and an attacking trio of Lucas Janson, Miguel Merentiel and Ángel Romero. Cavani appears on the bench as a potential impact substitute as Boca hopes to rekindle his sharpness and leadership.
Platense coach Walter Zunino will deploy a compact unit that has shown resilience this season. Matías Borgogno is expected in goal with a defense including Juan Ignacio Saborido, Ignacio Vázquez and Tomás Silva. Midfielders Felipe Bussio and Maximiliano Amarfil can supply the creative spark, while Guido Mainero, Franco Zapiola and Juan Gauto offer movement and link play. Leonardo Heredia is the focal attacking option for the visitors.
Key storylines and what to watch
Home advantage looms large. Boca have been a different team at La Bombonera, winning their home matches in the Apertura while struggling on the road. That split personality — formidable in their stadium, fragile away — will be decisive if Platense can hold shape and counter effectively.
Platense has failed to win at La Bombonera since returning to the top flight in 2021 and has not recorded a victory there since a 4-0 result in 1998. That history adds another layer to their visit: the Calamar need to overcome both the opponent and the venue’s atmosphere to leave Buenos Aires with points. They arrive off a defeat to Independiente and will be looking to steady their campaign with a result that boosts confidence.
Cavani’s presence — even if from the bench — changes the dynamics. His experience and finishing ability make him a player who can decide tight matches late on. Watch whether Boca try to manage his minutes carefully and whether Platense assigns a man to track his runs in the box.
Midfield battles, set-piece efficiency and how each team copes with transitions will likely determine the outcome. Boca must translate home energy into control and clear chances; Platense’s best route to a positive result is disciplined defending and quick counters to exploit any gaps left by an ambitious home side.
Matchday updates, final lineups and live minute-by-minute coverage will be available through standard live channels and match services. Fans attending the game should expect intense atmosphere at La Bombonera for what could be a pivotal Sunday evening in the Torneo Apertura.
