One could argue that there is no rivalry in world club soccer bigger than what is happening on Sunday -- and it isn't Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in El Clasico. It's the Superclasico in Argentina, as River Plate welcome Boca Juniors. A rivalry marked by physicality, tension, drama and sometimes violence, the latest chapter comes as both look for league domination and more hardware to add to their filled trophy cases.
Here's what to know:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, March 20 | Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Monumental -- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- TV and live stream: Paramount+.
- Odds: River Plate -126; Draw +205; Boca +320 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
What to know about each team
River Plate: Marcelo Gallardo's team entered the weekend in first place in Group A, as the league does two divisions. They will need to win to get back into first following Racing's 2-1 win at Independiente on Saturday night. This team has plenty of talent that has played overseas like Enzo Perez, but it also features the No. 1 prospect in all of Argentine soccer -- Julian Alvarez. The budding superstar striker, already signed up by Manchester City, is set to see this be his last Superclasico. He'll be expected to go out with a bang.
Boca Juniors: In Boca you have a team that has shifted away from so many veteran players and has instead embraced a bit of a youth movement, while also bringing back fan favorite Dario Bendetto after he spent time in Europe with Marseille and Elche. Players like midfielders Alan Varela and Cristian Medina are the future of that Boca midfield, while experienced vets like Sebastian Villa and Eduardo Salvio man the wings. Mainstay centerback Carlos Izquieredoz misses out though due to injury.
Top three reasons to watch
Our Nico Cantor walks you through why you should watch this heart-pounding rivalry:
One of the greatest, most heated rivalries in the world of football. River Plate vs. Boca Juniors ⚔️@Nicocantor1's three reasons why you should watch El Superclásico this Sunday on @paramountplus 🌶 pic.twitter.com/nyj1zEXfVx
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 19, 2022
Prediction
On paper and simply with the eye test, River Plate are the sharper, more cohesive team. That typically means nothing in this rivalry, but with Izquierdoz out and with Benedetto coming off an injury, the advantage is clearly with the hosts. Pick: River Plate 2, Boca Juniors 1
