EXPLAINED: Why the Copa Libertadores final may not go ahead

It is the most-anticipated Superclasico for some time but Saturday’s Copa Libertadores clash between Boca Juniors and River Plate is in danger of being called off.

For the first time in the Copa Libertadores’ 58-year existence, the two-legged final to find out the best team in South America will see bitter rivals Boca and River face off.

The first leg, on Saturday night, sees River make the short trip to Boca’s La Bombonera stadium without the backing of their support with away fans banned from both legs.

But, Saturday’s game is in danger of not going ahead altogether due to adverse weather conditions in Buenos Aires.

Currently in Argentina there is heavy rain with some pictures showing flooding of La Bombonera’s pitch.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know ahead of the Superclasico

According to reports, CONMEBOL are yet to make a decision on whether the game will go ahead but will do so before kick-off.

Boca-River could be called off with heavy rain flooding La Bombonera’s pitch- CONMEBOL to make a decision before the expected kickoff. https://t.co/zqafLzqJHf

— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) November 10, 2018

For a game of this magnitude to be called off just hours away from kick-off would be a big decision for South America’s football governing body, before the two teams playing are even taken into account.

But fans could still be in for the Superclasico treat if CONMEBOL’s past with waterlogged pitches is anything to go by.

In 2015, they allowed a World Cup qualifier between Ecuador and Bolivia to go ahead despite the pitch showing various pools of water.

For those thinking Boca v River will definitely be called off for a waterlogged pitch, they let this WCQ between Ecuador and Bolivia go ahead in 2015… pic.twitter.com/9fmwcUuQmr

— Adam Brandon (@AdamBrandon84) November 10, 2018

They scheduled second-leg for the Copa Libertadores final is set to take place on Saturday, November 24 at River Plate’s El Monumental stadium.

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