River Plate reach Copa Sudamericana final after beating Boca Juniors
River Plate are through to the final of the Copa Sudamericana following a 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Boca Juniors in the Superclasico.
It was all to play for at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti following a goalless semi-final first-leg and both sides had chances to gain the upper hand in the early going.
But it was River playmaker Leonardo Pisculichi who broke the deadlock in this feisty clash in the 16th minute, and it would stay that way as the home side set up a final clash with Colombian side Atletico Nacional.
Boca's misery was summed up in added-on time when defender Daniel Diaz was sent off.
Pisculichi said: "We proved to everybody that this team never surrenders, never gives up.
"We gave our best and in a very tough game. There were big expectations for this key match and happily we managed to eliminate them."
River goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero, who made several excellent saves to thwart Boca, added: "Since I arrived at this club I have played in a lot of Superclasicos, but no one like this.
"We are very happy as this group and the fans deserved this. It is always nice to win, but it is better to do it against Boca."
