Boca lands in Rio to fans, a flag rally in Copacabana and Riquelme by their side

The bags hadn't even been unpacked at the hotel and fans were already waiting at the door. That's how Boca arrived in Rio de Janeiro: with a welcome that reminded the squad, in case anyone needed reminding, what's on the line this Tuesday, October 20 against Vasco da Gama.

The team landed in Brazil on Sunday afternoon and checked into a hotel in Barra da Tijuca, where it will stay in camp until matchday at the Maracana. The moment they arrived, several fans were already there at the entrance of the hotel, waiting for the players. There was no rush to get inside: the players stopped, posed for photos, greeted fans one by one, and only then headed up to their rooms. Small gestures that carry real weight in a series like this one.

Among those who traveled with the delegation was a presence impossible to miss: Juan Roman Riquelme was part of the group that crossed into Brazil to be with the team for a match that will shape a big chunk of the season.

Flag rally in Copacabana

The fans' support doesn't stop at the hotel door. Supporters who traveled to Brazil have already organized a flag rally in Copacabana ahead of the match, with a meeting point in front of the Quiosque Buenos Aires, between Postos 4 and 5, near the Hotel Othon. A classic scene for Boca on the road: the beach, the flags, and the hope of turning around a series that's still very much open.

One detail that says a lot about the mood inside the squad: the entire roster traveled, injured players included, even though they won't be available to play. The coaching staff's thinking was clear: keep the group together as it chases the comeback needed to reach another continental final.

Final adjustments before the Maracana

With the delegation already settled in, the finer details of the work begin now. The coaching staff still has to lock down tactical matters and settle on the starting lineup for the second leg. Monday morning's practice took place at Flamengo's training facility, near Barra da Tijuca, the last session before the big test.

Boca arrives on the back of a strong run in the domestic league, four wins in the last five matches, and will now try to carry that momentum onto the international stage. The challenge is no small one: overturn the series against Vasco da Gama at the Maracana and keep alive the goal of fighting for another Copa Sudamericana final.