Celebrations in Cordoba as River sweep aside Boca

Last night’s Superclásico in Cordoba was more straight-forward than last Saturday’s 1-1 draw as River Plate cruised to a 2-0 victory over fierce rivals, Boca Juniors thanks to first half goals from Manuel Lanzini and Juan Carlos Menseguez. Boca’s defensive frailties were exposed in the opening 45 minutes but there was some controversy with the opening goal which caused Carlos Bianchi to explode at half time and referee, Diego Abal to banish him from the technical area in the second half. WATCH THE ACTION HERE….

Fernando Cavanaghi and Daniel Diaz were both suspended for last night’s match after their red cards last weekend but River Plate were able to welcome back Colombian defender, Eder Alvarez Balanta. The return of the powerful centre back certainly gave River a more solid base and his performance once again illustrated why he is one of world football’s hottest prospects.

In the recent Torneo Inicial, Boca’s defence was porous and there was no improvement last night, whether or not this was related to Diaz’s absence is a matter of opinion. More worryingly is the lack of possession and creativity that Bianchi’s side had. The dependence on Juan Roman Riquelme is disconcerting and his return from injury will not come soon enough . The 35-year-old playmaker stepped up his recovery with a behind closed doors friendly yesterday with eyes firmly on the start of the Torneo Final.

River’s opening goal last night came from a throw in down the right but the reason for its controversy was that two balls were thrown onto the pitch. One harmlessly back to the defence a second after a more dangerous throw in released Teo Guttierez. Play continued and the Colombian squared the ball to Manuel Lanzini to tap the ball past Emanuel Tripodi.

River continued to push and came close on a number of occasions as Guttierez and Lanzini tormented the creaking Boca backline. Eventually the second goal came and once again it was Guttierez down the right who provided the chance. This time his cross found Juan Carlos Menseguez and he had enough space to control the ball and roll it into the corner.

Boca’s first half performance was dreadful and Bianchi could argue all day about the legitimacy of the opening goal but the truth was that Boca deserved nothing. His protestations were too strong for Diego Abal and he sent the veteran coach off.

The second half fizzled out a little and River quite comfortably held onto their two goal advantage leaving their fans the far happier as they leave Cordoba. Now focus shifts to Mendoza for the third and final Superclásico of the summer.