Boca Juniors and River Plate are two of Argentina’s most famous clubs, so it makes sense that the Superclasico is one of the most watched sporting events in South America. In the last four seasons, the Primera Division has been won by Boca Juniors or River Plate. This shows how important the Superclassico matches are in determining Argentina’s next champion.
Boca Juniors have won the Primera Division title five times in the last nine seasons and remain the dominant force in Argentine football. However, during that time, River Plate has also won two titles of its own. In fact, Los Millonarios have lifted two of the last three trophies and now it’s Boca Juniors’ turn to try to fight back and reclaim the division title this year. Los Xeneizes only managed to finish seventh last season, so they will look to close the gap on their arch rivals again in 2024. That could start with a home game this weekend.
History of Boca Juniors vs River Plate
The Superclasico is one of the most popular and respected derbies in world football, thanks to its long history and fierce rivalry on the pitch. The name comes from the Spanish ‘clasico’, meaning derby, and the word ‘super’, implying that Boca Juniors and River Plate are the two biggest teams in the country. Statistics show that around 70% of all football fans in Argentina support Boca or River Plate.
Boca Juniors and River Plate were founded in the La Boca area of Buenos Aires, known as a working class dock area. River was founded in 1901, and Boca arrived four years later. However, while Los Xeneizes remained in Lo Boca, River Plate moved to Nunez in 1925, which was considered a more prosperous area of Buenos Aires. Many accuse River Plate of abandoning their roots, which is where the nickname Los Millonarios comes from – The Millionaires. Instead, Los Xeneizes – meaning Genoa – refers to Boca Juniors’ Italian immigrant origins. To this day, Boca is considered a working class people’s club in Argentina.
So, the Superclasico is not only the most watched event in Argentine football because it involves the two biggest clubs, but there is also a very real and deep-rooted rivalry there. The first official match between the two sides took place in 1913 in the Primera Division, with River Plate claiming a 2–1 victory. However, there were unofficial matches between the rivals before this match, with Boca Juniors technically winning the first meeting as early as 1908.
The Superclasico is watched by fans all over Argentina, but also all over the world. He is known for his scathing challenges on the field, passion from the stands, and fierce confrontations between players and fans. This was perhaps best demonstrated in the 2018 Copa Libertadores final, which had to be moved to the Bernabeu in Madrid because Boca Juniors’ team bus was ambushed by supporters.
In 2011, River Plate were relegated from the top division of Argentine football, to the delight of thousands of Boca fans who celebrated the event. Los Xeneizes even wrote a song to mock their rivals – although it didn’t last long because River Plate were promoted again the following season.
Both Boca and River claim to have the largest fanbase in Argentina. Boca Juniors say they have almost 200,000 members, with River Plate claiming a similar number – but it is often difficult to prove which team has the best foundation as Argentina’s most supported side.
Perhaps the only time Boca Juniors and River Plate fans gathered in their history occurred at the death of Argentine football legend, Diego Maradona. Although Maradona had spent two spells with Boca during his career, he was such an important figure in Argentina that fans across the country were mourning him. Boca and River fans were seen hugging and reminiscing about the lives of their fallen legends together.
There have been several iconic Superclasico matches over the years, but there are some that are more remembered than others. For Boca fans, the May 2000 match at La Bombonera stadium is particularly famous, when star-studded River Plate came in as favorites, only to lose 3-0, with Juan Roman Riquelme masterminding Boca’s stunning victory. And, of course, how can we mention the Superclasico without referring to the 1981 match in which Maradona etched his name into the annals of the match? The lively Argentinian controlled a cross from the right wing and dribbled past the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the empty net, with Boca winning 3-0 on the day. Probably one of Boca Juniors’ best goals of all time.
The place
La Bombonera – Saturday 21 September. Kick-off: 16.00 local time.
La Bombonera first reopened in 1940 after two years of construction. Since then, it has become the iconic home of Boca Juniors, located in the heart of the La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The stadium can accommodate 57,200 people and is guaranteed to be packed for the derby against River Plate this weekend.
Although the stadium is officially called the Alberto Jose Armando Stadium, it has long been known as La Bombonera – meaning ‘the box of chocolates’. This nickname has existed since the 1930s when the stadium was designed by architect Viktor Sulcic. When Sulcic received a box of chocolates for his birthday, he decided to take it to a design meeting because it closely resembled the stadium he and his team had created. Since then, La Bombonera has continued to be a nickname. The name was even mentioned by club executives at the opening of the ground in 1940.
The last Superclasico to take place at Boca Juniors’ home stadium was a Copa de la Liga match in 2023, which ended in a 2-0 win for River Plate. However, in general, Boca has a good record when hosting their rivals. In the last eight matches at La Bombonera, Los Xeneizes won four and drew three, losing only once to River Plate.
Form Guide
Both Boca Juniors and River Plate have had mixed starts to the 2024 season after 14 games. Although they are usually tied for the top spot so far this season, they currently sit in 10th placeth and 9th each. Boca Juniors lost 2-1 to third-placed Racing Club last time out, while River Plate beat second-placed Atletico Tucuman 4-1. It ended a run of five consecutive draws for River, who have now picked up seven points from their last possible 15. At least, they remained undefeated this time. Boca Juniors, on the other hand, have collected eight points from their last five matches – two wins, two draws and one defeat. Heading into this weekend’s clash, the two clubs are level on 21 points, with just three goals separating them in the standings. Simply put, the form guide is very close!
Team News and Injury News
Let’s take a look at some team and injury news ahead of the 2024/25 Superclasico derby.
Boca Juniors: Boca Juniors come into this match with several players out due to injury. Lucas Blondel has been sidelined due to a ligament injury since March 2024. Edinson Cavani has also been out for a long time, with the Uruguayan goal machine suffering a muscle injury one month ago. Brian Aguirre remains out with a sprain but is expected to return in October. There is a chance for Gary Medel, who missed the last match due to injury, and Luis Advincula (Achilles tendon problem) to return for the match against River Plate. Nicolas Figal is fit to play the Superclasico but is at risk of future suspension after picking up four yellow cards in just six appearances this season.
River Plate: River Plate look much healthier than their rivals heading into the weekend. Poor Martinez has been out since January with a cruciate ligament injury – but he is expected to return next month. Rodrigo Alienndro has missed three games with a shoulder injury. Additionally, River Plate should have a full roster to choose from this weekend. They also have no players at risk of suspension at this time.
Players to Watch
Matches between Boca Juniors and River Plate are often decided by one goal, so the striker could be the difference for both sides this weekend.
Miguel Borja has been in brilliant form for River Plate so far this season, scoring 27 goals and providing four assists in all competitions. Facundo Colidio has also been a strong goal threat for Los Millonarios, scoring 12 goals himself in 33 appearances this season. Even at the back, Paulo Diaz and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez have scored several goals for River this year. In terms of creativity, Nacho Fernandez is a player to watch, having scored 10 assists this season.
For Boca Juniors, Edinson Cavani has been the most dangerous striker in 2024, but he will miss the match due to injury. However, Miguel Merentiel has more than shouldered the goal-scoring load, scoring 15 goals this season. The creative spark for Boca came from an unlikely source, with Lautaro Blanco notching nine assists from the left-back. Kevin Zenon also recorded seven assists from left midfield, so the left side is clearly an area that Los Xeneizes must be wary of.
Head-to-head record
Boca Juniors and River Plate have played each other 338 times in their history. Boca have won 126 games, with River Plate claiming 107 and 105 ending in draws – meaning the rivalry is pretty even on paper. In the Primera Division, these arch rivals have faced each other 214 times, with 78 wins for Boca and 71 wins for River Plate.
Los Xeneizes and Los Millonarios play against each other regularly in Argentina, with matches in the Primera Division, Copa de la Liga, Copa Argentina, Libertadores and Liga Profesional. In the last ten meetings between Boca Juniors and River Plate, Boca have won five compared to River Plate’s three wins. However, Boca’s two wins came on penalties in knockout competitions. In those ten matches, only one was separated by more than one goal – a 2-0 win for River Plate in 2023.
Potential Implications
Both Boca Juniors and River Plate fans hope this season’s Superclasico will determine whether the trophy ends. Neither is leading the division at the moment, but they have won the last four seasons. Therefore, it could be a six-pointer at the top of the standings this Saturday, as Boca not only look to add another three points to the standings, but also guarantee that River Plate will drop three points of their own.
Player Lineup Prediction
Let’s take a look at how we expect Boca Juniors and River Plate to compete for the six-figure title on Saturday.
Boca Juniors: Romero; Blanco, Anselmino, Lema, Barinaga; Zenon, Medina, Fernandez, Miramon; Merentiel, Gimenez.
River Plate: Armani; Acuna, Gonzalez, Pezzella, Bustos; Fernandez, Kranevitter, Simon; Echeverri, Borja, Meza.
Boca Juniors vs River Plate odds
Betsson is currently offering various odds on Boca Juniors vs River Plate ahead of this weekend’s top-flight clash!
Boca Juniors who will win: 2.55
Draw: 2.92
River Plate who will win: 3.05
You can check the full Boca Juniors vs River Plate odds via Betsson HERE.
Score Prediction
There’s usually not too much separating the two teams when they go head-to-head, with most of their recent meetings decided by a single goal. However, Boca Juniors come into this match as home favorites, so we predict they will beat the latest Superclasico.
Score prediction: Boca Juniors 2-1 River Plate
PS: The odds may have changed since this article was written and published.
Last Updated: 19.09.2024
