Boca Juniors defeats River Plate to secure 2027 Copa Libertadores spot

Boca Juniors secured a 1-0 victory over River Plate in the Superclásico at La Bombonera during the 15th round of the Torneo Clausura. The win guaranteed Boca a spot in the 2027 Copa Libertadores by reaching 60 points in the annual aggregate table, mathematically ensuring they will finish no lower than third place.

The match turned early when River Plate suffered a red card in the 10th minute. Following a VAR review, referee Nicolás Ramírez expelled central defender Lucas Martínez Quarta for pulling Miguel Merentiel back by the shoulder during a promising attacking sequence. The numerical disadvantage heavily favored the hosts.

Boca capitalized on the advantage in the 27th minute through a set-piece routine. Sebastián Villa delivered a corner kick into the center of the box, where Lautaro Di Lollo shook off his marker to head home the match's only goal. River's frustration mounted further in the 36th minute when Gonzalo Montiel received a direct red card for a harsh challenge on Lautaro Blanco, leaving the visitors with nine men.

The disciplinary decisions sparked strong reactions outside the pitch. Rodolfo D'Onofrio, the former president of River Plate, took to social media shortly after Martínez Quarta's expulsion to criticize the officiating, writing, "How thieving they are." D'Onofrio later referenced previous grievances from a prior encounter at El Monumental, expressing outrage over perceived double standards.

With this result, Boca sits second in the annual aggregate table with 60 points, trailing Rosario Central by a single point, while also holding the second spot in Zona A. The Xeneize have officially become the 11th team across South America to qualify for the 2027 Copa Libertadores, joining fellow Argentine side Belgrano, who qualified earlier as the Apertura champion.

River Plate now finds itself in a precarious position heading into the final matchday of the domestic tournament. Placed eighth in the aggregate table with 52 points, Leonardo Ponzio's squad can no longer finish in the top five and must rely on external results, a potential release of tournament berths, or winning the Clausura title to salvage a spot in the premier continental competition. Otherwise, the Millonario risk sliding down into the Copa Sudamericana.

As the domestic calendar nears its conclusion, the consequences of the Superclásico extend deep into the final playoff and qualification races across Argentine football. While Boca celebrates a successful campaign that keeps them contending on multiple fronts, River must regroup quickly to salvage their international aspirations for the upcoming season.