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As it happenedended

Boca Juniors vs River Plate: first leg of Copa Libertadores final ends in thrilling draw

Re-live all the action from the first leg of the Copa Libertadores final

Kieran Jackson
Sunday 11 November 2018 14:43 EST
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Boca Juniors advance to Copa Libertadores Finals after 2-2 draw with Palmeiras

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Boca Juniors and River Plate drew 2-2 Sunday in the delayed first leg of the Copa Libertadores final.

Boca forward Ramon Abila opened the scoring in the 34th minute at La Bombonera Stadium with a powerful left-footed shot into the top left corner.

River striker Lucas Pratto equalized two minutes later, sending the ball into the bottom left corner. Forward Dario Benedetto then made it 2-1 to Boca with a header in first-half stoppage time before Boca defender Carlos Izquierdoz scored an own-goal in the 61st minute.

It's the first time the two Argentine teams have met in the final of South America's equivalent of the Champions League and the he match was postponed on Saturday because torrential rain flooded the stadium.

The second leg is at River's Monumental de Nunez stadium on 24 November. Re-live the action:

Boca Juniors 0-0 River Plate, 16 minutes

What a brilliant save by Boca's Agustin Rossi!

Rafael Santos Borre thinks he's scored with a delicate header, but Rossi tips it around the post with an outstretched left-hand. 

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:18

Boca Juniors 0-0 River Plate, 18 minutes

Some firm challenges flying in from both teams. Visitors River Plate certainly looking more dangerous so far. 

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:20

Boca Juniors 0-0 River Plate, 22 minutes

Boca's number seven Cristian Pavon, who you may remember was in Argentina's squad at the World Cup, has pulled up with what looks like a hamstring problem. He stays on for now though - you don't want to leave a spectacle like this!

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:25

Boca Junior 0-0 River Plate, 24 minutes

We've had our first square up of the game, as Boca's Sebastian Villa reacts angrily to a challenge. He gets a ticking off by the referee. 

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:26

Boca Juniors 0-0 River Plate, 27 minutes

Pavon is going to come off here - it looks like his left hamstring which is bothering him. He's thumping the ground with his fist, you've got to feel for the 22-year-old. He's replaced by Dario Benedetto. 

A big blow for Boca Juniors. 

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:29

Boca Juniors 0-0 River Plate, 32 minutes

The game has had a bit of a lull since Pavon's injury. Both teams struggling to keep the ball, and not quite clicking in the final third. 

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:34

GOAL! Boca Juniors 1-0 River Plate, 34 minutes 

Just after saying the game had gone flat, Boca take the lead!

Striker Ramon Abila cuts in from the left, and when his initial shot is saved, he turns in the rebound at the near post. 

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:35

GOAL! Boca Juniors 1-1 River Plate, 35 minutes 

River Plate hit back straight away!

Gonzalo Nicolas Martinez slices open the Boca defence with a through ball to Lucas Pratto who finishes superbly into the bottom corner. 

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:37

Boca Juniors 1-1 River Plate, 40 minutes

The game is so open now! River come close twice, with Rossi firstly denying Martinez, and then through on goal, Rafael Santos Borre shoots just wide with the outside of his foot. Big let off for Boca. 

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:43

Here's Ramon Abila celebrating his goal.

Kieran Jackson11 November 2018 19:45

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