The Superclásico between Boca Juniors and Club Atlético River Plate for the penultimate round of the Torneo Clausura will be played on Sunday 1 November at 15:00 at La Bombonera. The Liga Profesional de Fútbol confirmed the schedule on Wednesday, setting the date for one of the season's most anticipated matches with both sides under new management.
River Plate enters this phase occupying ninth place in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 13 points from ten games. Their last result was a 2-1 defeat to Huracán on 19 September, though their recent form of three wins, a draw and one loss provides some momentum. Before the classic, Leonardo Ponzio's team must focus on a series of key fixtures including a postponed match against Sarmiento on 14 October and a home game against Estudiantes de Río Cuarto on 17 October.
New coaches for the classic
Since the last Superclásico in April, both clubs have changed managers. River Plate replaced Eduardo Coudet with Leonardo Ponzio, while Boca Juniors did likewise by substituting Claudio Úbeda with Rodolfo Arruabarrena. This 1 November clash will therefore be the first classic for both coaches in charge of their respective teams, adding an extra layer of expectation to the already charged atmosphere.
League context and aspirations
The stakes in the table are high for both. River Plate, tenth in the Annual Table with 42 units, is fighting to break into the playoff positions for 2026 Copa Libertadores qualification. Meanwhile, Boca Juniors is second in the accumulated table with 50 points, which currently secures them a direct spot in the 2027 Libertadores. The match at La Bombonera could be decisive for River's continental objectives, as they need points to improve their position in the standings.
Several players could make their Superclásico debut this November. For River Plate, names like Nicolás Otamendi, Thiago Almada and Ángel Correa could experience their first official classic with the red band. The recent memory is still the 1-0 defeat at the Monumental last April, with a penalty goal from Leandro Paredes, a result River overcame to later reach the Apertura final.
River Plate's immediate preparation continues this Saturday 11 October with the home match against Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, who sit in 15th place. With forward Tomás Galván as the season's top scorer with six goals, the team will look to solidify their game and arrive with confidence for the key clash on 1 November at Boca's stadium.
More detail at La Nacion AR Deportes
