River Plate dramatically claimed their place in the Copa Libertadores last 16 on Wednesday night but being the lowest ranked side it immediately caught the attention of football fans everywhere given that fierce rivals, Boca Juniors were on the verge of qualifying as the number one seed and therefore setting up a mouthwatering clash in the knockout stages. Theories began to spread that Boca would avoid victory in La Bombonera against Palestino so that such a match was averted but last night all such talk was quelled.
Having said that it took Boca a long time to break down Palestino and just as the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Leandro Marín headed Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side in front. Jonathan Calleri added a second in stoppage time and although officially Boca had to wait until after Corinthians goalless draw later in the evening to claim the number one seed, the prospect of a Superclásico had become reality.
The dates of the matches are still to be confirmed but the rivals will meet in the Monumental during the first week of May, having just played on May 3rd in the league, and then a week later in La Bombonera.
Much has been written of the two sides already in 2015 with River supposedly struggling and Boca flexing their squad strength. However, the two sides sit side-by-side in the league and despite their differing paths are both in the Libertadores last 16. It is true that River are not producing the same quality of football that they did at times during 2014 and they are certainly shipping more goals but who have Boca faced in 2015? Their Libertadores draw was about as generous as it could have been and they are yet to face a top half side in the Primera. In the first week we will find out a great deal about just where both teams are.
golazo argentino 