COPA LIBERTADORES
River, Boca and their sartorial influence on LaLiga
Both Libertadores finalists have had a leading influence on Spanish clubs with Rayo Vallecano and Alaves (for the UEFA 2001 Cup Final) adopting the colours of the 'big two'.
A closer look at the home supporters at any home Rayo Vallecano game will reveal that many of the "franjirojo" (red sash) shirts sported by the Vallecas faithful don't bear the shield of the home side but feature the acronym of CARP, Club Atletico River Plate. A nod to the Buenos Aires based outfit who kitted out the LaLiga side in 1953.
Origins
Since their inception in 1924, Rayo traditionally played in an all white kit. Financial problems in the late 1940s saw Rayo turn to Atlético Madrid requesting aid from their neighbours. A deal was struck and Atleti agreed to loan players to Rayo on the condition they abandoned the all white kit and incorporated some red into their playing colours.
With Alfredo di Stéfano in the ranks, River Plate were one of the most famous sides in world football at the time and Rayo's owners honoured their deal with Atletico adopting the famous River kit. In 1953, River were on tour in Spain and gifted the club's owners two sets of the shirts bearing the iconic red sash, with the rest, as they say is history.
Dortmund final
Despite a home kit of blue and white stripes and using a pink away shirt on their journey to the 2000/2001 UEFA Cup final, no-one has ever revealed why Deportivo Alaves donned a replica of the Boca Juniors kit as the took to the pitch against Liverpool in Dortmund. The shirt was not well received by the Vitoria faithful and was never used after the heartbreaking 5-4 defeat.
