River Plate (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
River Plate and Boca Juniors prepare for another Superclasico clash at a boiling point at Mas Monumental, where pride, passion, and the soul of Argentine football are always at stake.
When it comes to football rivalries, nothing matches the fire and fury of Argentina’s Superclasico between River Plate and Boca Juniors.
From superstar players and fanatical fans to drama and raw emotion, the Superclasico has it all. This Sunday, the iconic 85,000-seat Mas Monumental will host the 264th chapter of this football war during matchday 15 of the Torneo Apertura.
Boca Juniors arrive looking to avenge their 1-0 home loss from September and secure top spot in Apertura Zone A. River Plate, meanwhile, need a win to find form before the knockout stages after an inconsistent start to their season.
Whatever happens, expect fireworks — both on and off the pitch.
Why does the Superclasico mean so much?
In Buenos Aires, and across Argentina, River and Boca are more than football clubs — they are institutions. Around 80% of Argentines support one or the other, and their trophy rooms back up their dominance.
River boast 38 league titles and four Copa Libertadores wins. Boca trail close behind with 35 league crowns and six Libertadores trophies, including a golden run between 2000 and 2003.
Their histories are packed with legends. River have given the world stars like Alfredo Di Stefano and Enzo Francescoli, while Boca fans worship names like Carlos Tevez, Juan Roman Riquelme, and Diego Maradona.
But this rivalry runs deeper than silverware. It’s rooted in identity, history, and pride.
"It is rooted in their origins, or rather their respective foundational myths," Argentine journalist Santi Bauza tells BBC Sport.
Both clubs were born in the working-class heart of La Boca, but River moved to wealthier Recoleta and later Núñez, earning them the nickname ‘Los Millonarios’ for their big-money transfers. Boca stayed true to their immigrant, working-class roots in La Boca — a bond still celebrated in their nickname ‘Xeneizes’.
On the pitch, River are known for their flair and technical brilliance — the philosophy of the ‘three Gs’: Gustar (play beautifully), Ganar (win), and Golear (score plenty). Boca, by contrast, demand sweat and fight above all else. Their mantra: ‘transpira la camiseta’ — make the shirt sweat.
Insults, pride, and unforgettable moments
No Superclasico is complete without the pettiness that fuels it. Boca fans famously call River supporters ‘Gallinas’ (little chickens) after a historic Copa Libertadores collapse in 1966. In one Superclasico, Carlos Tevez was even sent off for mocking River with a chicken dance.
Meanwhile, Boca have been nicknamed ‘Los Bosteros’ (manure handlers), a jab at the neighborhood history behind La Bombonera stadium.
When Argentina holds its breath
The Superclasico doesn’t just capture Buenos Aires — it stops the entire country.
"Regardless of their form or success, it's always a game that defines the mood of players, managers, pundits and fans alike," says Santi Bauza.
The atmosphere is like nowhere else: giant banners, endless singing, and enough noise to shake the city. But the darker side of Argentine football lurks too, with the infamous Barras Bravas — organised supporter groups linked to crime and violence — maintaining a powerful presence in the stadiums.
Incidents like the pepper spray attack on River players in 2015 and the 2018 Libertadores final relocation to Madrid after fan violence serve as stark reminders of the stakes — and risks — involved in this rivalry.
All or nothing at Mas Monumental
Despite their inconsistencies, River Plate still top their Libertadores group and have secured their spot in the Apertura last 16. But defeat to Boca could trigger an immediate crisis among their passionate fans.
"I wouldn't mind losing five games in a row if we get the win on Sunday," admits broadcaster and River fan Juan Igal.
Boca Juniors, revitalized after a slow start, have won nine of their last ten games and sit top of Apertura Zone A. Led by stars like Edinson Cavani and Kevin Zenon, they arrive full of momentum.
"Boca fans live for nights like these," says Rodrigo Azurmendi, co-host of the Boca in English Podcast. "Winning means jokes, memes, folklore. Losing? You don’t show up to work Monday."
For both sides, Sunday’s match is about more than three points — it's about pride, history, and the right to brag for months to come. In the world’s fiercest rivalry, nothing else matters.
Written by Barbara Cerar, Editor-in-Chief at en.nogomania.com. Follow us for more stories from international football.