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Biggest ever. Unique. Historic.
No hyperbole or adjective can describe arguably the best rivalry in world football. The Buenos Aires derby is one of the most traditional rivalries of the game. It is known for its fierce stories and dangerous incidents which still haunts the minds of Argentinian people and will continue to do so in the next seven days.
Superclasico rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate meet in the Copa Libertadores Final for the very first time. This will be the last of the two-legged Copa Libertadores final and both these iconic rivals are meeting each other for the first time in the final. The Superclasico games are always filled with the rage of fans and violence which often become cult stories for the generation.
Although both the presidents of Boca Juniors and River plate asked for the games to be played on Sundays, La Bombonera, the home of Boca Juniors, was supposed to host the first-leg on Saturday and El Monumental hosts the second leg of the final next Saturday. But due to bad weather, the first leg will take place today.
In a monumental fixture which will encapsulate Argentina over a week, let us take a quick glance at why we should not miss this game at any cost.
#1 The greatest rivalry in world football
When we talk about the greatest and fiercest rivalries in football, Boca Juniors taking on River Plate automatically comes up. These are the two most biggest and iconic clubs of all time and sparks fly when these two meet on the pitch. An argument between a Boca Juniors fan and a River Plate fan ended up with one burning down other's house this week.
Yes, it is that big. It is big enough to make the bucket list of many football fans around the globe. The eccentric atmosphere, the chaos, the violence and the ambience makes it second to none.
Legends like Diego Maradona, Alfredo Di Stefano, Riquelme and Javier Mascherano took part in this historic rivalry at least once in their career. Carlos Tevez will once again feature when these two South American giants clash on Saturday. He was sent off for performing 'chicken dance' before in this fixture.
Tonight the world will witness the making of another historic night. After all, the South Americans have waited for 58 years for this night.
#2 Historic stories and violence
Although violence is never justified in any sport in the world, the fans of Boca Juniors and River Plate have seen the ugly side of football. Last time when these two teams met at 2015, the match was suspended because Boca Juniors fans directed pepper spray at the River Plate players. Even the sin pads are not enough for protection.
It is amazing how the Boca Juniors and River Plate fans add up to more than 70% of Argentina's population. The decision to ban away fans was not a shock since away fans were banned for five years in Argentina till August 2018. But the risk is too much for a final like this.
Even back in 2012, River Plate fans delayed the start of the second half by floating inflatable pig in front of Boca Juniors fans. The epic rivalry since its inception in 1913 has been a major talking point for the whole world due to the fierce nature of both these fanbases.
Radio Colonia reportedly will broadcast with calm and serene commentators for people with heart diseases. Football is treated more than just a sport, it is a religion in Argentina, and this monumental rivalry is just a testament to that fact.
#3 Rise of youth and a chance for glory
As evident, Boca Juniors facing River plate is one of the grandest sights in football. These are the two heavyweights among Argentinian clubs and a face-off is a huge chance for players to shine.
Both these teams have served as a massive step in the journey for many greats - Falcao and Carlos Tevez being the recent examples. Superstars and all-time greats such as Diego Maradona, Alfredo Di Stefano and the likes of Juan Roman Riquelme and Gabriel Batistuta went through the doors of these two teams.
There is not an inch of doubt about the significance of this match and more so, in a final. For players like Tevez and Gago would give their all for one last shot at glory, young guns such as Cristian Pavon and Gonzalo Martinez would like to make the world notice their performances and be at the centre stage.
Nine out of the last twelve fixtures have seen only one team putting the ball into the back in the net. It is more than just a match and surely, not an inch of grass would be given away easily.
Although the two teams are not as rich in quality as they used to be a decade ago, make no mistake, this would be a match worth remembering and an amazing experience for any football fan in the world.
