A second-half goal from Sebastian Villa, combined with a stunning effort from goalkeeper Agustin Rossi, carried Boca Juniors to a 1-0 win over rival River Plate on Sunday in El Superclasico. Airing live on Paramount+, the showdown at El Monumental in Buenos Aires saw the hosts fail to score for just the second time all season, blowing a chance to go to the top of their group in the Argentine first division, with Boca celebrating a huge win to take back to La Boca.
Marcelo Gallardo’s men had most of the ball and recorded 10 more shots than Boca overall and six more on frame, but it would come down to who would make the costly mistake. It turns out it was Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez. The former Atlanta United and Inter Miami man was attempting to shield a loose ball for goalkeeper Franco Armani to pick up in the 54th minute, but Villa, with his speed, got around the defender, stole the ball and managed to finish into the opening net to silence the home fans.
Take a look:
A monumental goal for the visitors, who have beaten two of the top teams in the league in back-to-back weeks, taking care of Estudiantes 1-0 before doing the same for River. Boca were not at their sharpest but did enough, with centerback Carlos Zambrano looking sharp alongside Jorge Figal.
But the real star of the show was Rossi, a goalkeeper who was once sent to Lanus in a swap before coming back and putting himself in the conversation to play with the Argentina national team. Rossi made numerous saves in both halves, including a stunning one late on, leaping back toward his goal line to tip the ball over the post.
With the loss, River remain in third place in Group A, two points behind first-place Racing Club. Boca are now level on points with Estudiantes for first place in Group B.
You can watch every game from the Argentine first division live on Paramount+.