After a long wait to get revenge on rivals River Plate, Boca Juniors were finally able to achieve this objective after a 1-0 win in the CONMEBOL Libertadores. Coach Gustavo Alfarodecide to take the gamble of going with Carlos Tevez, who has immense experience when it comes to big matches. However, the former Juventus and West Ham star is clearly not at his peak at 35 years of age. The inclusion of Tevez might have had to do with bowing to pressure, but it meant no space for Mauro Zarate, who has been the top scorer for Boca Juniors in this competition this year.

There was also an absence of Emanuel Reynoso who may have created a major impact with his powerful left foot. Even though there were occasions when Tevez was able to combine very well with teammates, he was unable to come up with the crucial goal that would prove to be the separating factor. This is because River Plate were able to contain Tevez to a great extent. The striker no longer has the pace to get past opponents. Counter-attacks and set pieces were a key weapon for Boca Juniors, who were able to make a difference in the last quarter. The introduction of Zarate was influential for the team and he helped Jan Hurtado score the winning goal.

Even though Boca Juniors were able to win the game, they ended up losing the tie. River Plate had ended up suffering their first defeat of the season, but this was not a revenge. They have clearly been the better team over both legs and they were deserving candidates to progress. River Plate will need the winner of the game between Gremio and Flamengo, while Boca Juniors will have to focus on domestic run from this position.