All to play for in Libertadores second leg as Boca and River draw 2-2
A pulsating first half at La Bombonera saw Boca Juniors steal a 2-1 lead at the break despite being outplayed by a better River side who ultimately deserved the draw.
Boca Juniors 2-2 River Plate: match report
Boca Juniors and River Plate drew 2-2 on Sunday in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores final in a thrilling game that took place a day later than scheduled due to heavy rain in Argentina.
Ramon Abila put Boca ahead after 34 minutes but Lucas Pratto equalised for the visitors less than two minutes later.
Dario Benedetto got Boca's second just seconds before halftime but Carlos Izquierdoz put through his own goal after 61 minutes to leave the tie all square.
The second leg of the final, South America's equivalent of the Champions League, will take place at River's Monumental stadium on Nov. 24.
Boca Juniors vs River Plate: as it happened
Boca Juniors vs River Plate: preview
Related stories
For those not familiar with this game, let's try and give you a picture of what it's all about in Argentina. Take the rivalry of Real Madrid vs Barcelona. Throw in a little of the historical hatred of Celtic vs Rangers. Sprinkle on a healthy amount of Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce. Now, mix that all together into the final of the most prestigious club competition in South American football.
Never before have these two bitter foes met in the Copa Libertadores final, and to add to the history, this is planned to be the last final which is decided over two legs. Strap yourself in for the first leg, which will be played in wet conditions following the deluge that delayed us 23 hours, but will be on fire from the start.
Boca Juniors team news
Agustin Rossi should keep his place in goal, despite Esteban Andrada close to returning, while Sebastian Villa and Cristian Pavon are expected to start tonight up front.
River Plate team news
Franco Armani will take his place in the away goal looking to collect another Copa after winning it just a couple of years ago with Atletico Nacional. Captain Leonardo Ponzio (injured) will be a loss to the visitors, although that could work in their favour if he can return to the side following a good result in this first leg.