The "Superclasico"

This Sunday, October 07, 2007, we will witness the last “Superclasico” of the year between River Plate and Boca Juniors. Considered the best football derby in the world, this rivalry has been around for over 100 years. The game on Sunday will determine the fate of the two clubs in the near ending of the league. Let’s take a look on how the clubs will arrive at the “Monumental”.

River Plate : Presently, River is in 10th place and nine points away from the leader, Independiente. The club is suffering from one of the worst times in club history. The last time River won a championship was in Clausura 2003-2004 and the fan base has been impatient. With all the stars that have passed through River, it comes to no surprise that a championship should have been won a long time ago. Currently through the next round in the “Copa Sudamericana”, River must win this game, not only to gain points, but for the honor against the most hated club. With players like Falcao, Belluschi, Buonanotte, Ortega, and Ruben, River has the potential to win. Additionally, Coach Passarella’s future is hanging by a thread. If he manages to lose yet again, this could be his last game. Although he promised to leave in December if he didn’t win anything, the fan’s patience will be the benefactor. The last victory over Boca was last year, in October, when Real Madrid’s “Pipa” Higuain became the hero with 2 beautiful goals.

Boca Juniors : Long regarded as the best South American team, Boca is currently two points away from first place and is looking forward to the World Cup of Clubs this December in Japan. Recently eliminated from the “Copa Sudamericana”, Boca will put all their attention on winning the championship and adding another trophy to their trophy case. With fast players like Palacio, Ledesma, and Ibarra, Boca will play a strong attack. Palermo is the key player to look for since he has always had good luck against River. Boca will be sure to score if River’s defense plays the same as the last 3 games.

As of the last derby between these two clubs in April of this year, a total of 300 games have been played. Boca has won 112 while River has won 96. A total of 92 ties have taken place.

Who do you think will win? Why so?

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