Boca vs River
Thanks to a penalty converted by Miguel Merentiel in the 97th minute, Boca Juniors earned an important 2-1 victory away to Estudiantes. It was their third win in the last four league matches (with just one defeat), allowing El Xeneize to become one of the leaders in Group A with 23 points, virtually securing a playoff spot in the Torneo Clausura. Moreover, the team took a huge step toward clinching qualification for the next Copa Libertadores — a win this Sunday would seal their place. At home, Boca have taken nine of a possible 18 points in this competition (two wins, three draws, and one loss). Leandro Paredes returns after serving his suspension, while Rodrigo Battaglia remains sidelined.
River Plate head into the Superclásico in the midst of a deep crisis. Last Sunday, they once again delivered a very poor performance and lost 1-0 at home to Gimnasia LP, a result that virtually secured the visitors’ survival. It was El Millonario’s fifth defeat in their last six league matches (along with one win). As a result, they remain on 21 points in Group B, sitting sixth and still without a guaranteed playoff spot. Even worse, they have put their 2026 Copa Libertadores qualification in jeopardy via the aggregate table, as they now sit third — just one point ahead of Argentinos Juniors and Deportivo Riestra. Away from home, River have earned 11 points out of a possible 21 in the Torneo Clausura. Facundo Colidio suffered a muscle injury and will be unavailable, while Gonzalo Montiel and Sebastián Driussi are ready to return.
Boca are not the most reliable team now but River completely lacks any confidence after losing their 4th consecutive home game last week, so I’ll trust the hosts to win this edition of the Superclasico.