Late goals from substitutes Cristian Pavón and Pablo Pérez gave Boca Juniors victory in the first of three superclásicos against River Plate over the coming week and a half. This evening’s clash in La Bombonera was for superiority in the Primera as both sides sat joint top and unbeaten prior to kickoff, something which has not been the case in the 102 year history of the fixture. The two sides will have to do this all over again on Thursday night in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores last 16 clash but this first victory gives Boca the outright lead of the Primera.
Both sides had chances during periods in which they enjoyed spells of dominance but neither were able to find the crucial opening during the 84 minutes prior to Pavón’s strike. Dani Osvaldo and Carlos Sánchez had both rocked the woodwork of either sides goals during the first half and the game had finally begun to calm down and appeared to be heading for a draw when Boca struck.
The introduction of Fernando Gago on the hour mark had given Boca a little more discipline and Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side became more economical in possession as they asserted themselves on River in midfield but in spite of this improvement the crucial goal did not look like it was coming. However, in the 84th minute a ball across the River penalty box seemed to have a whole host of Boca players swipe at the ball before it landed at Cristian Pavón at the back post. The 19-year-old had been on the pitch for 15 minutes but his calm finish was just out of the grasp of Marcelo Barovero and sent La Bombonera into a state of rapture.
Pavón’s goal was still being celebrated and River were obviously still reeling when Boca broke through once again and although Barovero denied Nicolás Lodeiro’s first effort, Pablo Pérez was on hand to tap in the rebound and ensure victory.
There is no time for either side to celebrate nor dwell on the result as focus shifts immediately to the Libertadores. This superclásico proved that the following two matches can expect to be suitably tight, nervy affairs with little margins between them. Boca took their chances to win the first battle but we do not need to wait long to see who will be victorious in the war.
golazo argentino 