Great atmosphere in Mendoza greeted the second and final summer encounter between Boca and River. The Argentine champions reaffirmed their current supremacy over their crosstown rivals with a 1-0 triumph at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium in Mendoza on Sunday, which won them the Copa Luis Nofal. A first-half header from winger Pablo Mouche was enough to give Boca Juniors a justified victory over an inefficient River Plate that wasted its opportunities. Boca, who had already beaten River 2-0 five days earlier in Chaco, once again proved its superiority in the superclasico, though River will not suffer a confidence crisis as a result.
The eagerly-awaited contest started at a frantic pace, as both sides went in search of a quick opener. River were instantly hit with a major blow, as accomplished French striker David Trezeguet had to exit the field in the 10th minute due to injury. The game had lacked goal-scoring opportunities, right until the 28th minute, when Pablo Ledesma did well to send a cross into the area from the byline which Mouche met at the back post with a simple header to put Boca ahead.
River seemed to lift their game after conceding the goal, and could have drawn level moments later, but captain Fernando Cavenaghi fired a first-time shot well over the bar after connecting to a left-wing cross. In the second period Los Millonarios continued to look dangerous, particularly through midfielder Carlos Sanchez, who not only intercepted important balls in the middle of the park but also supplied River’s attackers with adequate service.
Matias Almeyda’s side desperately attacked the Boca goal, but once they reached the area could only manufacture weak attempts on Sebastian Sosa’s goal. River had much of the ball, but once they entered Boca’s half they lacked the necessary firepower to penetrate a considerably solid defense. Boca seemed content to hold onto the result, and went on to beat their eternal rivals for the second time in the space of just five days.