For the first time in history a Superclàsico, the fiercest match in Latin America, will take place in this year's Copa Libertadores final, the Champions League of South America, as arch-rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate face off for the title.
Boca Juniors made the final following a 2-2 draw in the semi-final second leg with Brazil's Palmeiras midweek, they advanced 4-2 on aggregate.
River Plate had heroics of their own to set up the historic final. The first leg ended with holders Grêmio leading 1-0, and at half-time of the second leg, River Plate were 2-0 down. In the 81st minute striker Rafael Borré levelled before Gonzalo Martínez dispatched an injury-time penalty to win the game and take them through to their first final in three years on away goals.
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The Copa Libertadores final is played over two legs, the first match will be held at Boca's La Bombonera stadium on November 7th with the return leg at River Plates home ground on November 28th.
Last time the two clubs met in 2015 four River Plate players were taken to hospital and the match abandoned at half-time after Boca fans attacked River players with pepper spray in the tunnel. Boca Juniors were subsequently disqualified from the competition that year and River Plate went on to claim their third title.
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Both clubs are steeped in history and have produced some of the world's most recognisable footballers including Crespo, Higuaín, Mascherano, Tevez and Riquelme.
This year's competition has seen disturbing violence, in August a match between Santos and Independiente
was abandoned as Santos fans threw missiles on to the pitch and opposing bench as well as storming the perimeter fence.
On Tuesday riot police were forced to protect referee Andres Cunha after he awarded River Plate their game-winning injury-time penalty via VAR.
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Let's hope for a clean and historic final, showcasing the best football that Argentina has to offer.
Words by George Buksmann.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Argentina
