River Plate vs Boca Juniors

River Plate’s fans will have felt satisfied after the team’s 2-2 away draw at Boca Juniors two weeks ago, with Lucas Pratto and Carlos Izquierdoz (own goal) finding the back of the net. Given that the away goals rule does not count in the finals, River will need to win at home to avoid the penalty shootout. El Millonario hasn’t seen league action after the first leg, which means they remain on 16 points in ten games played in the Superliga. Marcelo Gallardo’s men suffered a single loss in their last 17 home matches (ten wins, six draws), to Gremio 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals.

Boca Juniors had to settle for a 2-2 home draw with arch-rivals River Plate two weeks ago, even though they were leading on both occasions thanks to goals from Ramon Abila and Dario Benedetto. Last Saturday, the team played with an alternative XI against Patronato at home to reach 21 points in 12 matches played so far (eight points behind leaders Racing Club). El Xeneize is on four games unbeaten in all competitions at two victories and two draws, but they haven’t claimed any successes in their last four on the road (three draws and one defeat at Gimnasia LP).

This is a clash between two strong squads who know each other perfectly. The last 8 times they met in official games the home team couldn’t win (3 draws, 5 away wins) and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the case once again. River Plate will have a couple of missings in attack and even though they play better, Boca’s attacking power is undeniable better and I have to go with the handicap on them.

BET: Boca +0.25 @ 2.04