THIS IS RIVER! It left Boca behind and qualified for the final Marcelo Gallardo’s team had another glorious night and eliminated its greatest rival at its own home. Now, the champion of the Americas will go for a new title.

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The match began slowly, without clear plays and the ball went from one side to the other. The first threat was a deflected shot by Ramón Ábila, whereas River responded with a free kick by Nicolás De La Cruz towards the left. Milton Casco made a dangerous overlapping run on that same side.

River took control and put together a good collective play which culminated in a shot by Exequiel Palacios. Then, Rafael Borré slipped away on the right and fired a cross that almost created difficulties for Esteban Andrada. In another group play, the ball was left to De La Cruz, but the Uruguayan’s right-footed shot deflected.

The first half ended with an excellent response by Franco Armani after a mistake by Enzo Pérez in the goal area, in one of the few goal opportunities the local team had.

The second half was similar to the first one. River wasn’t in distress and it threatened as the number of passes increased in the attack: there were opportunities at Matías Suárez’s and De La Cruz’s feet and Lucas Pratto had a clear chance, but couldn’t shoot accurately. Palacios also had an opportunity by means of a right-footed shot from outside the area, which was saved by Andrada.

In one of the many dead-ball situations the referee awarded Boca, a goal was scored, after Jan Hurtado touched the ball following a crossed header in the area. River was strong in the remaining minutes, thus eliminating its greatest rival for the fifth time and qualifying for a new CONMEBOL Libertadores final: now, it awaits either Gremio or Flamengo.

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