Boca Juniors vs Sao Paulo - CONMEBOL Sudamericana

A fascinating CONMEBOL Sudamericana chapter awaits on September 9, 2026 when Boca Juniors take on Sao Paulo at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Maresca needs the qualitative depth to meet the demands of a season across 60-plus games.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the CONMEBOL Sudamericana contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Boca Juniors's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors have been a steady presence on the road, WDDDW in their last five and a campaign win rate of 50%. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Boca Juniors may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Sao Paulo have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. As a winger or more of a central, attacking midfielder? “He’s an offensive player who knows how to mix it up across the attack.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman Gabriel Barbosa — 5 goals this term — will be one to watch. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. The Dutch striker faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford with repeated links over a move away.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. Whatever the outcome, the CONMEBOL Sudamericana fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.