Boca Juniors defensive midfielder Sebastián Battaglia believes that it is crucial they record a win at home to Mexican side Atlas in their second Copa Libertadores group stage match on Thursday.

Boca drew their opening game 1-1 away to UA Maracaibo in Venezuela and in a group that also features Chilean side Colo Colo, Battaglia feels it is important to get a victory in their first home game in the competition, although he knows that Atlas will not be easy opponents.

"We are at home and we know that we must gain the three points. Like all Mexican teams they keep possession well and they will make it very difficult for us," he told Olé.

"We know that it is always necessary to win at home. Atlas respects us and we must push home the advantage that playing in our stadium will give us."

Atlas coach Miguel Angel Brindisi has stated that he feels Boca can be put under pressure if a team constantly attacks them, but Battaglia believes that employing such a tactic will play into their hands.

"We can play an attractive game if they come to play because that will create space for us. However, they are a good team and it is necessary to be cautious."

Brindisi is a former Boca Juniors player and coach and as the interview drew to a close, Battaglia was asked whether he felt this would give Atlas an advantage in the match.

"I don't think so. Once we enter the field he does not know what we will do. I just hope that we will have a good match and take the victory, because we cannot afford to give anything away at our ground," he concluded.