Next weekend’s superclásico is perfectly poised after Boca Juniors were unable to find a way past Estudiantes in La Plata and simultaneously in the Monumental, River Plate were making light work of Temperley to reduce the deficit between the two sides to seven points.

League leaders Boca Juniors certainly had chances to kill off Estudiantes’ slim hopes of lifting the title but could not find a breakthrough. However, El Pincha remained a threat throughout and the decision not to award the home side a penalty during the first half sparked a moment of sheer rage in manager Nelson Vivas, prompting him to rip his shirt off before storming down the tunnel.

A third draw in four matches for Boca could see their lead cut to a single point if Newell’s win on Sunday evening.

Estamos en mayo, aún hace calor y Vivas lo sabe… 😎🌞🌊 pic.twitter.com/2XxWwTegTX

— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) May 6, 2017

River Plate responded to their disappointing draw with Sarmiento two weeks ago to brush aside Temperley and close the gap at the top.

Lucas Alario linked up beautifully with Rodrigo Mora to slot the home side in front but an exquisite lob by Christian Chimino brought El Gasolero level at the break.

However, Marcelo Gallardo’s side moved up the gears after the break and following Alario’s 11th of the season came via the penalty spot, Sebastián Driussi poked in this 14th and Camilo Mayada wrapped up the points with a superb, curling finish into the top corner.

If River are to make up the ground, victory in La Bombonera next Sunday is crucial. The last meeting between the two sides in the Monumental was a classic and Carlos Tevez stole the show, Marcelo Gallardo needs one of his side to step forward and write his name into the history books.

River Plate  4 – 1  Temperley

Estudiantes  0 – 0  Boca Juniors