Boca Juniors and Estudiantes de La Plata are the only Argentine clubs still in contention for international trophies this season, competing in the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores semifinals, respectively.

With both teams facing an uphill battle in the second legs next week, here’s what each needs to reach the final.

Boca chasing a Maracanazo

Boca have the most work to do after losing the first leg of their series 1-0 at home to Vasco da Gama on Tuesday at La Bombonera.

Although the Xeneize took the initiative early on, it was the Brazilian side that struck first. In the 25th minute, forward Andrés Gómez sent in a cross for teammate Adson Soares to open the score.

Gómez’s sending-off in the 65th minute gave Boca a boost and allowed the team to put Vasco under pressure. However, despite creating scoring opportunities, Boca repeatedly failed to find the net.

The key question for the Xeneize is whether star midfielder Leandro Paredes will be fit for the return leg next........

© Buenos Aires Herald