Copa Libertadores 2018: Boca Juniors to play bitter rivals River Plate in final for the first time
The final will be played over two legs, with the first match being held at Boca's Bombonera stadium on November 7 and the return leg three weeks later
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Boca Juniors will face arch rivals River Plate in the final of South America's Copa Libertadores for the first time after a 2-2 draw with Brazilians Palmeiras in Wednesday's semi-final second leg saw them advance 4-2 on aggregate.
Ramon Abila got Boca's opener after 17 minutes when he side-footed home a low cross before Luan equalised for the home side seven minutes into the second half after he fired a powerful shot through the goalkeeper's legs.
Gustavo Gomez put the Brazilians ahead from the penalty spot on the hour mark but Dario Benedetto, who scored both Boca's goals in the first leg in Buenos Aires, drew the Argentines level in 69 minutes with a low shot from 25 meters out.
The result comes a day after River Plate knocked out holders Gremio to qualify for their first final in three years.
The final will be played over two legs, with the first match being held at Boca's Bombonera stadium on Nov. 7 and the return leg on Nov. 28.
The last time the two Buenos Aires clubs met in the Libertadores was in 2015 in a match was abandoned at half-time after Boca fans attacked the River players in the tunnel with pepper spray.
River went on to win that year's Libertadores, their third and last triumph in the competition. Boca last won the title in 2007.
This year's final will be the last with home and away legs before it shifts to a one-off game at a neutral venue.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments