In Argentina few events arouse more interest than a match between Boca Juniors and River Plate. The Superclasico, as it is known, means that for 90 minutes nothing else matters.
Throughout history clashes between these two giants of South American football have resulted in epic battles where all that matters is winning.
The phrase ‘friendly match’ simply does not exist for both Boca and River. In traditional Summer Tournament, which serves as preparation for the final part of the season, a defeat in the ‘Superclasico’ has meant the death certificate for some of the most successful coaches in the Argentine football, like Ramon Diaz.
Given the historical transcendence of this sporting rivalry is not surprising that the fact Boca and River soon be playing out three matches in the space of just ten days, revolutionising South American football.
The first will be in two weeks during the Primera Divison, in which both teams are well positioned. But, undoubtedly, the most important games are those that are part of the second round of the Copa Libertadores.
Here the story is other, since both Boca and River have vastly different prospects in this tournament. While Boca Juniors has comprehensively won the group stage, the ‘Millionario’ suffered over the account for access to the next stage of the Copa Libertadores.
In fact, the team led by Marcelo Gallardo only made sure of their qualification in the last game against San Jose de Oruro, a team which defeated by 3-0.
Still, these games are different. In many derbies the winner has not been the team that was in better shape then. What is certain is that any team that achieves a victory, will have passed an ordeal. Both Boca and River are tough teams with great players who can be key to the outcome.
A ‘Superclasico’ is the perfect setting for heroism: players like Carlos Teves, Pablo Aimar, Diego Maradona or Enzo Franchescolli have, in those games, achieved the position of idols to their fans.
This time the lights are aimed at a particular player: Daniel Osvaldo. The former Inter Milan player is today one of the most decisive figures in the team coached by Rodolfo Arruabarrena. With six goals in ten games Osvaldo is a call to be the next hero of the Boca Juniors fans.
The last confrontation at international level between these two teams came late last year when River won the Plate, with the help of an exceptional Leandro Pisculichi. They defeated Boca categorically in the semi-finals of the Copa Sudamericana, a tournament that eventually won.
Whether it’s a friendly game or the final of the Copa Libertadores, no match between these two team go unnoticed to the adoring Argentine public.
The history of the 20th century in Argentina can not be written without mentioning the ‘Superclasico’.
Both Boca and River fight in every game, for the love of a country. Those who win this time will remember these games for years.
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