A new duel between the two biggest teams in the country is nearing, each bringing its strengths and weaknesses in pursuit of victory.
This Sunday, May 7, from 5:30 p.m., at the Monumental, River Plate and Boca Juniors face off in a fresh edition of the Super Classic. This time the matchup carries extra flavor as part of the Binance Tournament 2023 schedule, adding unique stakes to an already heated rivalry.
Throughout much of the season, River Plate appeared to hold the upper hand over Boca Juniors, but recent weeks have shown a contest that, while perhaps not as flawless in form, is marked by stronger intent and sharper attitude.
BOCA JUNIORS
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The season started on a rough note. A managerial shakeup followed a string of defeats, with Hugo Ibarra leaving his post. Mariano Herrón took charge temporarily, and Jorge Almirón was soon brought in as the long-term replacement. His appointment stirred controversy given the coach’s recent results elsewhere. The early phase opened with losses to San Lorenzo and Estudiantes.
In their third game, during a period of significant fan unrest at La Bombonera, a pivotal cross from Luis Advíncula and a decisive finish from Alan Varela helped Boca secure three points and a measure of reassurance.
A subsequent late equalizer against Central Córdoba began shaping the team’s character, followed by two decisive wins: Racing 3-1 and Colo-Colo 2-0.
The three keys of Almirón: the influence of Boot, Advíncula, and tactical vision
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Frank Fabra suffered a sprained right knee in the 2-1 loss to Colón. Almirón was still settling in, yet that setback influenced his decision to deploy a five-man backline in the next match against San Lorenzo, with Augustine Sandez occupying the right-back slot.
Boca had difficulties with Gusa, which prompted a bold move: against Deportivo Pereira, Valentine Boat returned to the top flight after more than two years. He became the engine of the comeback against the Colombian side, overcame doubts against Canalla, and lifted his performance in the following two wins.
Utilizing Advínula on the flank became a recurring strategic element. The Peruvian quickly adapted to new roles under successive managers, and his versatility paid off when he was moved, at times, to right-back and sometimes used as a true winger inside the attack. His quick impact was evident as Boca beat Racing 2-0 early on, with a goal that was a product of relentless pressure and movement. He celebrated with the coach, and a similar performance followed in the Copa Libertadores in a subsequent match. Defensively, Boca started to adopt a congested midfield shape that strengthened the back line.
Gradually, the Almirón imprint became clearer through automatisms built from the back, with precise triangulations, high presses, and coordinated ball circulation.
What needs to work
Boca’s most persistent issue remains defensive vulnerability. In the six matches since the new coach arrived, only one game ended undefeated, a victory secured with Sergio Romero between the sticks. The team tends to concede when pressed high and exposed through quick transition plays.
RIVER PLATE
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Martin Demichelis arrived with the heavy task of filling Marcelo Gallardo’s shoes. With limited experience beyond youth teams at Bayern Munich, he quickly established a recognizable style at Núñez: an attacking mindset, a midfield built around technically solid players, and a practical front line. In his first phase, River showed a tally of fourteen wins, four losses, and one draw.
The Super Classic arrived at a moment of resilience after a brutal 5-1 defeat in Rio de Janeiro against Flamengo, a low point in his tenure. He managed to steady the team for the most part, though an early ejection and some volatile decisions during that stretch tested his leadership.
Micho’s three successes: stout defensive shape, elevating Barco, and reclaiming Beltrán
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During 2023, River posted eight straight league wins with a clean sheet streak, a historic run for the club. Franco Armani managed 774 consecutive minutes without conceding, approaching a record set by Carlos Bossio in 1991. The goalkeeper’s form reflected the team’s overall dominance, where few opponents could break through their lines.
New recruits faced scrutiny from fans, especially Lucas Beltrán, whose arrival carried expectations. In Demichelis’s system, Beltrán became a key outlet in the attack, linking play with Nacho Fernández, Rodrigo Aliendro, Nicolás De la Cruz, and José Paradela, among others. His movement created space for teammates and provided reliable finishing options when opportunities arose. This adaptability also meant opponents found it harder to predict River’s attacking transitions.
There was a notable evolution in Beltrán’s role, enabling him to read space more effectively and to contribute to quick counter-movements that defined River’s offensive rhythm. This approach helped the team become more fluid in linking defense to attack, with broad support from midfield and sustained pressure on opposing defences.
Both clubs enter this edition with distinctive strengths. Boca’s improved defensive structure and rapid transitions contrast River’s steady, attacking cadence and midfield depth. The forthcoming clash promises a high-tempo contest that could tilt on moments of individual brilliance or a tactical adjustment that shifts the balance late in the game.