Live Blog! River Plate vs Boca Juniors in the Argentine Superclásico at El Monumental

Driussi brings back the lead to River Plate

River Plate's Sebastian Driussi celebrates scoring their second goal with Kevin Castano

Boca Juniors ties everything with a Merentiel goal

Boca Juniors' Miguel Merentiel celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates

MASTANTUONO YOU'RE CRAZY!! 17 year old and scoring in the Superclasico against Boca Juniors from free kick

MVP Guest at the Superclásico

Muñeco Gallardo presents his XI in El Monumental

Gago's XI is ready

River Plate and Boca Juniors are gearing up to play another historic edition of the Argentine Superclásico this Sunday at a packed Monumental, with a record 85,018 attendees after stadium renovations. Both teams are already through to the round of 16 in the Torneo Apertura. River, who are also competing in the Copa Argentina and leading their group in the Copa Libertadores, come into the match missing key players like Paulo Díaz and ‘Pity’ Martínez, though Marcelo Gallardo might have Maximiliano Meza available at the last minute, and will have Miguel Ángel Borja on the bench. The ‘Millonarios’, sitting 4th in Zone B with 25 points, will be looking for a win to keep climbing up the standings.

On the other hand, Boca Juniors, coached by Fernando Gago, leads Zone A of the Torneo Apertura with 32 points and is aiming to take the title this semester after being quickly eliminated from international competitions. The ‘Xeneizes’ suffered a big blow with the injury of their top scorer Edinson Cavani, who won't be available, as well as Spanish player Ander Herrera, who couldn't recover in time. Boca remains one of the big favorites and, with a 3-point lead over Argentinos Juniors, will be looking for a win to solidify their spot at the top of their group.

River Plate fans inside the stadium before the match

After this Superclásico, River Plate will face Vélez Sarsfield in the final match of the first phase, while Boca Juniors will play Godoy Cruz. The clash between the two Argentine giants will not only be special because of the historic number of spectators but also because of the chance to gain confidence and momentum heading into the final stretch of the championship. In the all-time head-to-head, Boca leads with 92 wins over River's 87, in a rivalry that promises, once again, to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.