Boston River 3–2 O'Higgins — CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana, May 21, 2026

Match Overview

Boston River secured a dramatic 3‑2 victory over Chilean side O'Higgins in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana group‑stage encounter. Playing at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, the Uruguayan hosts raced into a two‑goal lead before withstanding a spirited O'Higgins comeback to take a crucial advantage into the return leg.

First‑Half Fireworks

The home side started with intensity and carved open the O'Higgins defence inside 12 minutes. A well‑worked corner was met by centre‑back Facundo Batista, who powered a header past goalkeeper Ignacio González. Boston River doubled their lead just before the half‑hour mark when winger Mateo Antúnez cut inside from the left and curled a precise effort into the far corner.

O'Higgins responded with greater urgency after the goal, but the Boston River backline, marshalled by veteran captain Diego Rodríguez, held firm until the interval.

Second‑Half Fightback

The visitors emerged from the break a transformed side. Manager Juan Manuel Azconzábal introduced striker Fabián Hormazábal at half‑time, and the change paid immediate dividends. In the 52nd minute, Hormazábal latched onto a lofted pass and side‑footed past Boston River goalkeeper Santiago Silva to make it 2‑1.

Twelve minutes later, O'Higgins were level. A lapse in concentration from the home defence allowed midfielder Luis Cabrera to volley home from the edge of the box, stunning the Montevideo crowd.

Late Winner Seals the Result

With the match poised at 2‑2, Boston River showed resilience. In the 78th minute, substitute Emiliano Núñez collected a loose ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a low drive that crept inside the near post. O'Higgins pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to find a way through a determined back line.

Key Stats & Impact

• Possession: Boston River 48% – 52% O'Higgins
• Shots on target: 5 (home) – 4 (away)
• Yellow cards: 2 – 3

The 3‑2 scoreline leaves everything to play for in the second leg in Rancagua, with Boston River holding a slender but valuable lead on aggregate.

— Match report by the CONMEBOL Sudamericana editorial team