Boca and River, the most popular clubs in Argentine football, will meet again after 14 months in a highly anticipated reunion that will be played Saturday (6.30pm on ESPN and TYC Sports) in the final leg of the Diego Maradona Cup. and before the participation of both in the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.
‘Xeneizes’ and ‘Millonarios’ meet behind closed doors at La Bombonera for the fourth and penultimate date of the second round of the tournament, in the first match between the two since October 22, 2019, with the victory of the auriazules (1- 0), but with a party for those of the red band, who surpassed that band towards the final of the Copa Libertadores.
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Since then, the organization of local tournaments and the extensive disruption due to the pandemic in Argentina have prevented them from crossing again, until the recent draw for the second stage of the Maradona Cup determined that both would share Group A of the Championship stage. , which has them as protagonists.
Indeed, and besides the fact that the big goal of both the Copa Libertadores, Boca and River command is in the positions of Group A with 7 points two dates before the grand final, with a minimum advantage for the auriazules, who have a goal. more difference (+4, against +3) in the definition.
But Miguel Ángel Russo and Marcelo Gallardo, the drivers of both teams, still did not show their cards as the two also face the semi-finals of the Libertadores, where they will face Brazilians Santos in turn (January 6) and Palmeiras (January 5), in Buenos Aires.
With no physical issues in the local team, Russo evaluates whether to include the star Carlos Tevez or give him more rest for the cup series, but the experienced coach’s idea is to present a mixed team, with some of the usual starters and some substitutes, although several are experienced players.
River, required
On the visiting side, Gallardo is taking into account that River will have one less rest day for the game against Libertadores, and that he will not have the injured Milton Casco and Fabrizio Angileri for the left back, while Chilean Paulo Díaz was recently fired. due to a hip condition and would be reserved for the cup.
The River coach published a list of 23 called up with much of his starting eleven, but there are also several youngsters on the payroll who could get the chance to play the most important game in Argentina football.
In addition to Boca and River, the penultimate date of the second stage of the Maradona Cup starts on Saturday with the match between Rosario Central and Defensa y Justicia, while Independiente-Arsenal, Patronato-Lanús, Newell’s-Vélez and Central Córdoba will play on Sunday. -To race.
On Monday they will play against Aldosivi-Unión, San Lorenzo-Gimnasia, Talleres-Banfield and on Tuesday they will complete Godoy Cruz-Estudiantes, Huracán-Argentinos Juniors and Atlético Tucumán-Colón.