When it comes to football derbies, very few rivalries can match the intensity, passion and cultural weight of Argentina’s Superclasico between River Plate and Boca Juniors.
It is an event that captures the soul of Argentine football – a fixture defined by superstar players, relentless fan culture, high drama and, at times, the darker edge of the sport.
River and Boca are not only neighbours in Buenos Aires; they are the two most successful and widely supported clubs in the country, and among South America’s footballing powerhouses. It is often said that as many as 80% of Argentines support one of the two sides.
The term “Superclasico” reflects that dominance. Derived from the Spanish word clasico (meaning ‘derby') and the addition of ‘super', it underscores the fact that these are the two biggest clubs in Argentina. Over the decades, the fixture has grown into one of the most recognised and respected rivalries in world football.
On one side stand Boca Juniors – defined by their blue and yellow colours and deep working-class identity, embodied by the legendary Diego Maradona. On the other hand is River Plate, recognisable by their red diagonal sash and long tradition of producing elegant, technically gifted players such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Omar Sivori and Enzo Francescoli.
In this feature, Football Ground Guide take a closer look at how the Superclasico was born, how it developed into one of football’s defining rivalries, and why it continues to hold such a powerful grip on the sport today.
History and origin of the Superclasico
The roots of the Superclasico can be traced back to the early 20th century, when both clubs emerged from the same working-class district of La Boca in Buenos Aires.
River Plate was founded in 1901, with Boca Juniors following in 1905. At the time, the two sides were neighbours, shaped by the same dockland surroundings and immigrant communities.
However, their identities began to diverge in 1925 when River Plate relocated to Nunez, a more affluent part of the city. The move sparked criticism, with many accusing the club of abandoning its origins. From that point on, River became known as “Los Millonarios” – The Millionaires.
Boca Juniors, meanwhile, remained in La Boca. Their nickname, “Los Xeneizes”, reflects the Genoese roots of many of their early supporters. Over time, Boca came to be viewed as the club of the working class, a reputation that still defines them today.
The first official meeting between the two sides took place in 1913 in the Argentine Primera Division, with River Plate claiming a 2-1 victory. However, earlier unofficial encounters had already been played, including a 1908 clash won by Boca Juniors.
From the outset, the fixture carried an intense edge. One early meeting reportedly saw a fan burn an opposition flag, while a match in 1931 was abandoned after just 31 minutes due to mass fighting among players and spectators.
Boca’s home ground, La Bombonera, remains one of football’s most iconic stadiums – a venue deeply embedded within the surrounding neighbourhood. River Plate, meanwhile, play at the larger Estadio Monumental, reflecting their shift to a different part of the city.
Despite River’s success, one nickname has endured: “Las Gallinas” (The Chickens). It originated during a trophy drought between 1957 and 1975, when the team was perceived to have faltered in crucial matches.
The nickname has often been used by Boca supporters to mock their rivals. In 2004, Carlos Tevez famously celebrated a goal with a “chicken dance” in front of River fans.
Head-to-head record between Boca Juniors and River Plate
Across more than a century of meetings, Boca Juniors hold a slight edge over their rivals in the overall head-to-head record.
The two sides have faced each other 265 times, with Boca registering 93 victories. River Plate have won 88 matches, while 84 encounters have ended in draws.
The most recent meeting between the clubs came on November 9, 2025, when Boca Juniors secured a 2-0 victory on home soil in the Argentine Primera Division.
In terms of silverware, Boca Juniors also maintain a narrow advantage, with 74 titles compared to River Plate’s 72 across domestic and international competitions.
Key matches and iconic Superclasico fixtures
Boca Juniors 3-0 River Plate (1981)
After rising to prominence at Argentinos Juniors, Diego Maradona received a major offer from River Plate that would have made him the club’s highest-paid player. However, a lifelong Boca supporter, he rejected the move and joined Boca at the age of 21.
His first Superclasico came with enormous expectation and he delivered. Maradona scored a memorable goal, rounding the goalkeeper and gliding past defenders to seal a 3-0 victory.
Boca Juniors 3-0 River Plate (May 24, 2000)
A Copa Libertadores clash in 2000 remains one of the most memorable nights in Superclásico history.
River Plate arrived at La Bombonera with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg and a star-studded attack featuring Pablo Aimar, Ariel Ortega, Javier Saviola and Juan Pablo Angel.
However, Boca produced a dominant second-half performance to win 3-0 and progress 4-2 on aggregate.
Juan Roman Riquelme was at the centre of it all, producing a standout display while Martin Palermo added to the drama, scoring after returning from a six-month injury layoff to cement his place as a Boca legend.
River Plate 2-1 Boca Juniors (2004)
The two sides met in the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores in 2004, with Boca Juniors carrying a 1-0 lead into the second leg.
River levelled the tie early in the second half through Luis Gonzalez, putting pressure on Boca.
Carlos Tevez responded with a crucial goal before celebrating with his now-infamous “chicken dance” in front of River supporters, earning a red card.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Boca held on through extra time and eventually secured a 5-4 victory on penalties.
Boca Juniors 0-0 River Plate (May 14, 2015)
A Copa Libertadores clash in 2015 descended into chaos at La Bombonera. River Plate held a 1-0 aggregate lead at half-time, but the match never resumed.
River Plate held a 1-0 aggregate advantage at half-time, but the match was abandoned after Boca supporters used pepper spray on River players as they returned to the pitch.
The game was not resumed, and River were awarded a 3-0 victory, progressing to the next round.
River Plate 2-4 Boca Juniors (2016)
In a dramatic league encounter in December 2016, River Plate led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Driussi and Alario.
However, Carlos Tevez inspired a second-half comeback, scoring twice in 20 minutes to turn the match around.
Ricardo Centurion added another goal late on, sealing a memorable 4-2 win for Boca Juniors.
River Plate 3-1 Boca Juniors (2018)
The rivalry reached an unprecedented stage in 2018 when the two sides met in the Copa Libertadores final for the first time.
After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, the return fixture was postponed following an attack on the Boca Juniors team bus by River supporters.
The second leg was eventually moved to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, marking the first time the final was played outside South America.
In front of over 72,000 spectators, Boca took the lead before River equalised to force extra time. With Boca reduced to ten men, River capitalised, scoring twice more to secure a historic 3-1 victory.
Puerta 12 tragedy
One of the darkest days in Argentine football history occurred on June 23, 1968, at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental.
Following a 0-0 draw between the two sides, a crush at Gate 12 resulted in the deaths of 71 supporters, while around 150 others were injured – most of the victims were teenagers and young adults.
Some reports suggest it began when Boca fans burned River flags, causing panic among supporters. Others claim the exit gate was locked or failed to open, preventing fans from leaving while those behind continued to push forward.
After a three-year investigation, no one was found responsible – a decision that left many families without answers. Since then, the stadium’s gates have been identified by letters rather than numbers.
River Plate’s 2011 relegation
In 2011, River Plate suffered one of the most shocking moments in its history, being relegated from Argentina’s top division for the first time.
The event was met with celebration from Boca Juniors supporters, who created songs to mock their rivals. However, River’s absence from the top flight was short-lived, as they secured promotion the following season.
The relegation also sparked unrest, with riots breaking out and parts of the Estadio Monumental damaged. Players were reportedly confined to the dressing room for several hours as tensions escalated outside.
Notable records in Boca Juniors vs River Plate
Biggest winning margin
Boca Juniors’ largest victory over River Plate came in a 6-0 win on December 23, 1928.
River Plate’s biggest win came later on October 19, 1941, a 5-1 victory.
Highest-scoring fixture
The most goals in a Superclasico came on October 15, 1972, when River Plate defeated Boca Juniors 5-4.
Most appearances
Reinaldo Merlo holds the record for most appearances in the fixture, featuring 42 times for River Plate.
Top goalscorers
Angel Labruna is the all-time leading scorer in the fixture with 16 goals. He is followed by Oscar Mas (12 goals) and Paulo Valentim of Boca Juniors with 10.
Players who have played for both clubs
Several players have represented both Boca Juniors and River Plate during their careers, including:
Donato Abbatangelo
Antonio Ameal Pereyra
Severiano Alvarez
Lucas Pratto
Sebastian Rambert
Carlos Randazzo
Gerardo Reinoso
Jorge Rinaldi
Miguel Angel Rodriguez
Alfredo Rojas
Iseo Fausto Rosello
Oscar Ruggeri
Jose Luis Villarreal
Nelson Vivas
Hugo Zarich
Ricardo Zatelli
Bruno Urribarri