Argentina's two biggest rivals, River Plate and Boca Juniors, meet again this weekend and on Sunday we bring another Superclasico. However, this one has a twist as the match takes place in Cordoba at the neutral Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, as these are the quarter-finals of the Copa de la Liga. Both sides will be keen to reach the next round and the direct ticket to the 2025 Copa Libertadores, as well as the usual needle between these two South American giants. With no second leg, this one needs a winner over 90 minutes or even penalties.
History of the Boca River
This competition first took place in 1908 and pits the two clubs with the most titles in Argentina against each other, with River on 38 wins and Boca on 35 when it comes to the competition. Perhaps the greatest grudge match in the world, Buenos Aires comes to a standstill when these two meet. This time it will take place in Cordoba and it is the first time since the 2018 Copa Libertadores final that both groups of fans have been allowed to attend, so expect a colorful and lively atmosphere this time too.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday April 21 | Time: 2:30 PM ET
- Place: Estadio Mario Albeto Kempes – Cordoba, Argentina
- Watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Chances: River +110; Draw +227; Boca +234
Storylines
River: Martin Demichelis' side flirted with disaster earlier in the tournament, but ultimately finished top of Zone A, ahead of Argentinos Juniors, Barracas Central and Velez Sarsfield, who all also progressed to the quarter-finals. A hat-trick from Facundo Colidio sealed it for River and on their side of the bracket the winner of this Superclasico will see them face Estudiantes (LP) or Barracas Central. On the other hand, Argentinos Juniors face Defensa y Justicia while Godoy Cruz and Velez are the other quarter-finalists. Expect Demichelis to use some of his biggest names for this.
Potential River XI: Franco Armani; Marcelo Herrera, Leandro González Pirez, Paulo Diaz, Enzo Diaz; Ignacio Fernandez, Rodrigo Villagra, Rodrigo Aliendro, Claudio Echeverri; Pablo Solari and Facundo Colidio.
Boca: Although River's progress looked quite comfortable in terms of positioning above Zone A, Boca barely managed to sneak through in Zone B. Only one point separated Xeneize and Racing in fifth place, while Godoy Cruz was four points ahead at the top of Zone B. Like River, Boca could imagine the potential route after the Superclasico with Estudiantes (LP) or Barracas Central, followed by one of Argentinos Juniors, Defensa y Justicia, Godoy Cruz or Velez. Boca certainly boast some of the most recognizable names in the league today, with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo and Luis Advincula.
Potential Boca XI: Sergio Romero; Luis Advincula, Cristian Lema, Marcos Rojo, Lautaro Blanco; Pol Fernandez, Equi Fernandez, Kevin Zenon; Miguel Merentiel and Edinson Cavani.
Prediction
Expect this one to fit the mold, but not by much, so River will narrowly beat Boca. Don't be surprised if it takes more than 90 minutes. Choose: River 2, Boca 1.
