Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Boca Juniors 2-0 River Plate

: Hosts win superclasico as Martin Palermo exits rivalry with a goal

A horrific own goal by Juan Pablo Carrizo and another magical header by Martin Palermo saw Boca Juniors defeat River Plate 2-0 in the Bombonera

Martin Palermo - Boca Juniors (Mexsport)
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Martin Palermo - Boca Juniors (Mexsport)

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A three minute span in the first half erased all of River Plate's previous momentum as an own goal by goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo and header from Martin Palermo, in his final Superclasico, were enough as Boca Juniors downed its rivals 2-0, potentially sending River into the relegation zone pending the outcome of Olimpo versus Independiente.
Carrizo palmed a corner kick into his own goal to give Boca the advantage on 28 minutes, before the legendary Palermo, who went 10 games without scoring earlier in the season, scored for the fourth consecutive game as one of the globe's top clasicos went in favor of the blue and yellow.

The first 25 minutes passed with few chances and plenty of physical play. Boca looked to have committed numerous fouls in the box that could have easily given River a penalty or two, but none were called.

In the early going, the away squad looked to be the better side, controlling the ball and sending several crosses into the box. The visitors also did a solid job of not letting their bitter rivals advance up the field much, stopping them in their own half on numerous occasions to go on the counter.

The best early chance came 27 minutes in, but it was for Boca. Pablo Mouche gained possession down the left flank and went for a cross, the ball hitting off a defender and nearly entering the net for an own goal.

Indeed, River would put the ball into its own net off the ensuing corner.

Off Mouche's ball, Carrizo, who had been in fine form, scored the own goal after his strange manner of coming out for the corner resulted in a costly error. The fans in La Bombonera erupted with delight.

They would double their excitement three minutes later. After a free kick, the ball bounced around the inside and outside of the box before it was headed back in, bouncing over the last line of defense. Palermo, one-on-one with Carrizo, headed the ball softly over the former Lazio man and into the net to double Boca's advantage.

A dull 25 minutes were forgotten by the Boca Juniors fans after three minutes of intense, electrifying action. With River on its heels, Boca went in search of the third goal to try and settle the battle before the half.

Los Millionarios had a fantastic chance three minutes before the break when Rogelio Funes Mori nearly drilled a shot from a five meters out, but Cristian Lucchetti made a stellar save at the post to keep it 2-0.

In the first 10 minutes of the second half, River nearly found the net twice. Mariano Pavone, who showed great class to beat his defender, lightly touched the ball by Lucchetti, but it was cleared off the line by Luciano Monzon.

In the second half, the home side looked tired, hoping to hold on to the lead. The back line, however, managed to head out chance after chance.

With the dramatic victory, Boca will travel to face Arsenal de Sarandi next Sunday with another chance to climb up the table, moving six spots to seventh place after the win. Meanwhile, River will be home to San Lorenzo. If Olimpo edges Independiente today, River will be in the promocion places with five games remaining.

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