El Superclásico: Boca vs River - Sunday 7PM UK

kinaldo

The biggest rivalry in world football

VIDEO PREVIEW

What: Argentine Clausura Championship
Who: Boca Juniors (11th, 11 pts) v River Plate (4th, 15 pts)
When: Sunday 19th April, 15:00 local time
Where: Bombonera stadium, Buenos Aires

Not matter where both teams find themselves on the table, the superclasico is always a special occasion, and Sunday's highly anticipated clash will be no different. Perhaps the most interesting ingredient ahead of the derby is that a defeat will almost completely put Boca Juniors out of the title race. This means that the Argentine Apertura Champions will play their hearts out in order to inflict another defeat on their arch-rivals. The derby is always a match apart in itself, irrespective of league form.

The Opportunity to Save the Season

Boca Juniors have struggled a great deal this season, and the fact that they find themselves in 11th position of the Clausura Championship means they are almost completely out of title contention. Although they have been very inconsistent this season, much of the reason for their poor form is that Carlos Ischia is more concerned with finding success in the Copa Libertadores. As was the case last week against Estudiantes de La Plata, a match which Boca lost, the coach rested his key players in order to keep them fresh to face River. Boca know that they are unlikely to defend their title this season, but they will be desperate to triumph over their crosstown rivals. If Los Xeneizes claim the three points against River their fans will be satisfied with the team, even if they continue to languish in mid-table.

The Pressure Is On

Like Boca, Los Millonarios have been very inconsistent this season, and the fact that they are on the verge of elimination from the Copa Libertadores in the group stage means that they will be forced to pick up a positive result against Boca. River may find themselves in 4th position on the table, but a defeat to their bitter rivals could see them drop as far down as mid-table. Nestor Gorosito has failed to get his side playing an effective style of football, but although they have improved a great deal compared to last season, much more is expected from them. River will be under heavy pressure to perform at the Bombonera, because not only did they lose both of the pre-season derbies between the teams, but they were beaten twice last year. Another defeat could definitely put Gorosito's job on the line.

TEAM NEWS

Boca Juniors

Carlos Ischia has a number of injury concerns ahead of the derby, with the most important being that of Juan Roman Riquelme. The playmaker trained on his own all week because of a leg injury, but he is expected to make it just in time for the match. Another key player who is in doubt is defensive midfielder Sebastian Battaglia, who was injured during a training session on Thursday. The good news for Los Xeneizes is that Martin Palermo and Rodrigo Palacio are healthy, and are expected to lead Boca's starting XI.

River Plate

Like Ischia, Nestor Gorosito has several selection problems. The presence of Colombian striker, Radamel Falcao Garcia, is not clear, but Gorosito's biggest concern is who will feature in his midfield. The coach is unsure whether to choose from Matias Abelairas, Nicolas Domingo or Mauro Diaz, to occupy a place in the centre of the park. Another player in doubt is exciting attacking midfielder Diego Buonanotte.

Most Probable Team Line-ups

Boca Juniors: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Hugo Ibarra, Julio Cesar Caceres, Juan Forlin, Claudio Morel Rodriguez, Cristian Chavez, Sebastian Battaglia, Juan Roman Riquelme, Nicolas Gaitan, Rodrigo Palacio and Martin Palermo.

River Plate: Daniel Vega, Paulo Ferrari, Gustavo Cabral, Nicolas Sanchez, Cristian Villagra, Diego Barrado, Oscar Ahumada, Diego Buonanotte, Marcelo Gallardo, Cristian Fabbiani and Radamel Falcao Garcia.

KEY PLAYERS

Boca Juniors - Juan Roman Riquelme

Riquelme's presence will surely improve Boca's chances of claiming a victory in the derby. The playmaker is without doubt Boca's most influential player, and he tends to reach his top form each time Boca meet River. If he's at his best, he could well decide the outcome of the match.

River Plate - Marcelo Gallardo

Despite being relatively inconsistent since returning to Los Millonarios, Gallardo is a class act, and his experience in these kinds of matches can be of great importance to his side. The battle between Gallardo and Riquelme promises to be very exciting, particularly because the derby is usually won by the team with the stronger midfield.

PREDICTION

The fact that both teams are struggling this season means that the superclasico will be played to the death. Both teams are in much need of the three points, and this suggests that it will be a highly contested encounter. In recent outings the derby has lacked good football, but if you can be guaranteed one thing it is that both teams will play their hearts out.

Home-field advantage will surely boost Boca's chances of claiming a victory, and if Juan Roman Riquelme is able to produce his best football, they could prove too strong for River. Expect a dramatic clash that is likely to be won by the team who wants it most.

Boca Juniors 3-1 River Plate

Gregory Sica, Goal.com

redout

kinaldo wrote: »

The biggest rivalry in world football

I thought that title belonged to El Clásico ?

kinaldo

redout wrote: »

I thought that title belonged to El Clásico ?

Not really. The fans in Buenos Aires take this to a whole other level. Maybe because it's a proper city derby and Argentines are more nuts about football.

El Clásico is only more famous worldwide.

TonyD79

Both teams are from the same city so its more intense -bocas fans are working class and river upper class hence their nickname.Would class the old firm the biggest rivalry tbh .

Was at a boca & River game in October and tought the quality was poor apart from Riquelme who was class.Most Irish people I met in Argentina thought leage of Ireland was of better standard.

anonymous_joe

TonyD79 wrote: »

Both teams are from the same city so its more intense -bocas fans are working class and river upper class hence their nickname.Would class the old firm the biggest rivalry tbh .

Was at a boca & River game in October and tought the quality was poor apart from Riquelme who was class.Most Irish people I met in Argentina thought leage of Ireland was of better standard.

Aw, I miss BA. Forza River!

kinaldo

TonyD79 wrote: »

Both teams are from the same city so its more intense -bocas fans are working class and river upper class hence their nickname.Would class the old firm the biggest rivalry tbh .

Was at a boca & River game in October and tought the quality was poor apart from Riquelme who was class.Most Irish people I met in Argentina thought leage of Ireland was of better standard.

I was at that game, both teams were missing a lot of players tbf. It's generally a poor game though because like a lot of derby matches, simply not losing is so important.

LuckyLloyd

Anyway to watch it over here?

Mossy Monk

Not on tv unless you can get one of these

Al Jazeera Sport 2
Nova Sports 1 (Hellas)
NTV Spor
NTV+ Sport On-Line
Sport.Ro
SportKlub+ (Ser/Slo)

kinaldo

Finished 1-1. Marcelo Gallardo, a River legend and player who many may remember from Monaco and the 98 World Cup, at the age of 33 and in his 3rd spell at the club, scored a brilliant free kick after Martín Palermo had given Boca the lead with a quality long range strike.