Introduction to derby
The Superclássico between Boca Juniors and River Plate it is the defining derby of Argentine football and one of the most intense rivalries in the world game. Rooted in the culture of Buenos Aires and
class identity, the game has been played for over a century, spanning amateur beginnings, the professional era, continental clashes and modern league formats. Every meeting carries historical weight, whether it takes place at the Bombonera, the Monumental or a neutral venue, and the narrative of the rivalry is shaped as much by iconic players and tactical clashes as by the results.
themselves
All-time head-to-head record
Through official competitions, Boca Juniors and laugh
plate they have met over 260 times since their first meeting a
1913. The overall record remains extremely tight, with Boca holding a narrow one
historic advantage while River have periodically closed the gap during the fort
cycles, especially in the professional and modern era. The record of victories
and underlines why the Superclassic is defined by momentum swings
rather than long-term dominance. ((ca.wikipedia.org)(
| Total matches | Boca Juniors wins | River Plate win | draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 265 | 93 | 88 | 84 |
The totals suggest a rivalry defined by finer margins than
extended periods of control. Boca’s advantage was largely built during
mid-20th century league dominance, while River’s strongest corrective phases
it came in the 90s and again during the Marcelo Gallardo era. Ties remain a
important part of the series, reflecting tactical caution and the
psychological pressure that often tempers the risk of attack in this
device
Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)
The last Superclássicos have taken place through league and cup
competitions, with home advantage, disciplinary and decisive turning points
moments around halftime that proved influential. Modern meetings too
they reflect evolving tactical identities, with urgent intensity and transition
play more and more prominently. ((ysscores.com)(
| date | competition | place | Punctuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09 November 2025 | Argentina First Division | The Bomboniera | Boca Juniors 2–0 River Plate |
| April 27, 2025 | Argentina First Division | Monumental | River Plate 2–1 Boca Juniors |
| September 21, 2024 | Argentina First Division | The Bomboniera | Boca Juniors 0–1 River Plate |
| April 21, 2024 | League Cup (Quarterfinals) | Monumental | River Plate 2–3 Boca Juniors |
| February 2024 | Argentina First Division | N/A | Draw (Score N/A) |
| October 2023 | Argentina First Division | N/A | River Plate 2-0 Boca Juniors |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The recent pattern shows a clear tilt of the site, with home teams often
setting the pace early and forcing the opponent into reactive phases.
Several games have hinged on goals just before or after the break
discipline and set-piece defense continue to play a decisive role. Boca’s
The recent home win contrasted with River’s ability to control games in the
Monumental, reinforcing the tactical importance of the stadium
context
Key players and rivalries by era
Classical Era (1930s-1970s)
The classical era established the myths of the Superclassic
legendary figures whose influence extended beyond individual parties. The one of the river
Ángel Labruna embodied attacking elegance and long-term consistency at the same time
Boca stalwart Roberto Mouzo provided defensive authority. Daniel Passarella
later added leadership and aerial dominance for River, in contrast to
The tough competitiveness of Boca.
Notable duels included Labruna against Boca’s centre-backs
high-scoring league matches, and Passarella against Boca forwards where
physical met with positional intelligence. These clashes defined the derby
early identity
Modern Era (1990s-2000s)
The modern era brought continental relevance and global attention.
Juan de Boca Romanian
Riquelme dictated rhythm with positional play, often opposed
Creators of River such as Pablo Aimar and Ariel Ortega. Martín Palermo’s penalty area
The presence contrasted sharply with River’s more fluid attacking rotations,
while Enzo Francescoli’s intelligence symbolized River-based control
philosophy
Key rivalries saw Riquelme tested by River’s aggressive midfields, Palermo
fighting centrals in aerial duels, and challenging Ortega’s dribbling
The sides of Boca in transition phases.
Contemporary era (2010s to present)
The contemporary Superclassic has been shaped by high pressing,
tactical detail and team depth. The emotional leadership of Carlos Tevez for Boca
he learned about River’s structured systems under Marcelo Gallardo. More recently, frank
Armani’s The goalkeeper has anchored River in tight games, while Boca
attackers like Edinson
CavaniMiguel Merentiel and Exequiel Zeballos have contributed
contrasting profiles of movement and direct.
Current duels include Cavani against River’s centre-backs in the penalty area
battles, Zeballos against offensive fullbacks in transition and midfield
leaders like Leandro
walls contesting control zones against the River press.
| was | club | player | Role in the derby context | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| classic | River Plate | Angel Labruna | Main attack reference | Long-term top scorer influence |
| classic | Boca Juniors | Roberto Mouzo | Defensive leader | Symbol of resilience |
| modern | Boca Juniors | John Roman Riquelme | Game creator | Time control |
| modern | River Plate | Ariel Ortega | Creative attacker | Threat of haggling |
| modern | Boca Juniors | Martin Palermo | forward target | Presence of penalties |
| modern | River Plate | Pablo Aimar | Advanced midfielder | Playback of links |
| contemporary | Boca Juniors | Carlos Tevez | Captain and striker | Emotional catalyst |
| contemporary | River Plate | Franco Armani | porter | High pressure saving |
| current | Boca Juniors | Edinson Cavani | Center front | Movement and experience |
| current | River Plate | Sebastian Driussi | Attacking midfielder | Late races |
The players listed highlight how the character of the derby is evolving
while maintaining the basic themes: creativity versus structure, emotion versus
control, and individual brightness tested under collective
pressure
Detailed H2H analysis
Head-to-head analysis shows that the Superclassic rarely wins
passive approaches. Teams that impose territorial control without defensive
balance are vulnerable to transitions, while sides too cautious often
grant initiative and territory. For decades, Boca has tended to maximize itself
home intensity and crowd influence, while River has looked for it more often
to dominate possession and rhythm, especially in the Monumental. the strait
Broadcasting results reinforces how individual incidents: a set piece, a red card,
or an individual moment of quality – it can trump the broader statistic
superiority
Key statistics and performance data
The statistical trends of the Superclassic meetings underscore the
the volatility of the team and the premium placed on game management.
- A high draw percentage reflects tactical and psychological caution
pressure - Home advantage is still important, especially in the league
formats - The goals usually come at half-time, which suggests
concentration fluctuations. - Discipline is key, with cards often shaping the second half
tactics - Goalies have an outsized influence on the low margin
encounters
Memorable matches and iconic moments
Beyond the gross results, the Superclásico is remembered through
moments that define the collective memory and the tradition of the rivalry.
- December 23, 1928 – Boca scores a historic league 6-0
victory - October 19, 1941 – River responds with a commanding 5–1
win - Late 1990s: Continental clashes heighten rivalry
internationally - 2018 – Final of the Copa Libertadores decided in neutral
place - 21 April 2024: Dramatic cup quarter-finals settled late
objectives - 09 November 2025 – Boca secures control at home with a decisive one
league win
Evolution of the rivalry
The Superclásico has evolved from a local competition in Buenos Aires
in a global soccer event, shaped by tactical innovation, media exposure
and changing competitive structures. While the first decades stood out
physics and direct play, later eras introduced technical midfield battles
and pressing systems. Despite these changes, the essence of the rivalry remains
constant: identity, pride and the relentless pressure of expectation. each one
The new generation of players inherits not just a fixture, but a century-old one
narrative that continues to define Argentine football.
Frequently asked questions
When was the first Superclásico
played?
The first official meeting took place in 1913 during Argentina
league season
Who has more victory in the
Super classic?
Boca Juniors has a small all-time lead in the official
matches
Which stadium hosts the biggest Superclásico
crowds?
laugh
the plate Monumental has registered the highest attendance in the league
meetings
Head-to-head cup matches are included
registration?
Yes, the official cup competitions are part of the general
register
Why are sweepstakes so common in this?
derby?
Psychological pressure and tactical caution often lead
highly contested games.
The rivalry has changed tactically
time?
Yes, it has gone from direct play to pressing and positional play
systems maintaining their intensity.
Superclassic Head-to-Head | Boca Juniors vs
River Plate History and statistics

