As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated Superclásico, River Plate is warming up on the field of Estadio Monumental, ready to face their eternal rivals Boca Juniors on April 27, 2025, at 15:30, with Nicolás Ramírez officiating. This match is a pivotal moment in the Torneo Apertura 2025, and both teams are looking to secure crucial points.
Marcelo Gallardo, River's head coach, has confirmed his starting eleven, which includes the return of Miguel Borja and Maximiliano Meza after overcoming injuries. However, the team will miss the services of Pity Martínez and Paulo Díaz, who are still in recovery. The starting lineup for River features Franco Armani in goal, with a defense comprising Gonzalo Montiel, Germán Pezzella, Lucas Martínez Quarta, and Marcos Acuña. The midfield will see Enzo Pérez, Kevin Castaño, and Giuliano Galoppo, while Franco Mastantuono, Facundo Colidio, and Sebastián Driussi will lead the attack.
In their last league match, River secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, which has boosted their confidence as they prepare for this fierce clash. Currently, River sits in fourth place in Zone B with 25 points, trailing four points behind the group leader, Rosario Central. The team is on a six-match unbeaten run, comprising two wins and four draws, and they are eager to capitalize on their home advantage.
On the other side, Boca Juniors arrives at the Monumental with a strong record, having won three consecutive matches and losing only once in their last ten fixtures. They currently lead Zone A with 32 points, following a recent 2-0 victory over Estudiantes. Boca's squad will be without their captain, Edinson Cavani, due to injury, which poses a challenge for coach Fernando Gago as he prepares for this critical encounter.
The historical rivalry between River and Boca is one of the most intense in football, having met 263 times across various competitions. Boca holds a slight edge with 92 wins compared to River's 87, and there have been 84 draws. In their last encounter on September 21, 2024, River triumphed with a narrow victory, thanks to a goal from Manuel Lanzini.
As the match approaches, both teams are feeling the pressure. In a pre-match press conference, Boca's goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín expressed his excitement, stating, "This match is very special. I'm living a dream, and I take every game with pride and responsibility. We have a squad that understands what Boca means and the obligation to win. We will seek the three points and hope to have a great match." Marchesín also acknowledged the impact of Cavani's absence, saying, "Cavani is a super important player, but we have a prepared squad."
River's Lucas Martínez Quarta also shared his thoughts, saying, "This is one of the most beautiful matches to play, and we will face it with the utmost responsibility. We are prepared mentally, and we have a team with great quality." He highlighted the young talent, Franco Mastantuono, emphasizing that while he has immense potential, the responsibility should not solely fall on him.
Security measures for the match are extensive, with over 1,000 police officers and additional private security personnel ensuring the safety of fans and players alike. The stadium will open its gates at 12:30, three hours before kickoff, and fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion.
In a show of fan enthusiasm, River's supporters have organized an elaborate welcome for their team, with plans to display over 50,000 flags and 30,000 balloons during the team's entrance. The atmosphere is set to be electric, with a collective effort from fans to create a memorable experience.
As the players head onto the pitch, the stakes couldn't be higher. Both teams are not just playing for points but also for pride in one of football's greatest rivalries. The action is set to unfold at the Estadio Monumental, and fans around Argentina are eagerly tuning in to witness this iconic matchup.
With the kickoff approaching, the excitement is palpable. Will River reclaim their dominance at home, or will Boca continue their impressive form and solidify their position at the top? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: this Superclásico promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
