In the second instalment of the Superclasico River Plate beat Boca Juniors 3-1 to secure the Copa Libertadores at the Bernabeu.
It was a tentative start from both sides, but perhaps understandable given the circumstances, with the initial final at El Monumental postponed a fortnight ago following fan violence.
Boca broke the deadlock in the dying embers of the first-half, Dario Benedetto racing clean through after being teed up by a scintillating Nahitan Nandez through-ball, before clinically slotting home to send the Azul y Oro into raptures.
River Plate would not lie down and pegged their Buenos Aires rivals back in the second half, Lucas Pratto netting in the 68th minute after getting on the end of a precise Ignacio Fernandez low cross.
The routine 90 minutes failed to separate the two sides, and so the final moved to extra-time. Boca were soon reduced to 10 men after Wilmar Barrios was sent off for a studs-showing lunge, referee Andres Cunha did not hesitate to brandish a second yellow card.
River Plate’s numerical advantage would ultimately pay dividends as Juan Fernando Quintero scored a breathtaking finish before Gonzalo Martinez netted to win his side the Copa Libertadores. And so, after a pulsating affair on the hallowed turf of Los Blancos’ Bernabeu what did we learn?
1. Brilliant Benedetto
Benedetto has become the first player since 2010, some eight years ago, to score in both the first and second leg of the Copa Libertadores final, with that feat last being achieved by Giuliano against Guadalajara during his playing days with Internacional.
Fast forward eight years and Benedetto has followed in those fabled footsteps; his goal a fortnight ago was an adroitly taken header, glancing home past a hapless Franco Armani between the River Plate sticks as he restored his side’s lead to 2-1.
This evening, Benedetto once more put his side in the ascendancy with another fine finish, tucking home with an unwavering composure after evading the River Plate defence, before coming out on top in a one-on-one situation with Armani.
Having found himself on the bench the previous encounter, the four-time Argentina international really ceased the opportunity when it presented itself to him, as he also became just the second player to net in all four matches of the semi-finals and finals since 1990.
2. “Mad dog” Nandez dream Mourinho player
With discernible question marks surrounding Manchester United’s midfield this season, notably the failure of Fred to acclimatise to the demands of Jose Mourinho’s philosophy, the Portuguese tactician may have been keeping a close eye on Nahitan Nandez this evening.
The 22-year-old was imperious in the heart of Boca’s midfield, pulling the creative strings, constantly running, and playing with the sort of tenacity and “mad dog” spirit Mourinho was crying out for last week after his side failed to beat Southampton.
“We don’t have many mad dogs that bite the ball and press all the time” was the cry from the Red Devils coach, and no player seemed to embody that dogged and hard-working mentality more than Nandez, who was everything from Boca’s engine to their invention.
If nothing else, his defence-splitting pass for Boca’s opening goal was one of world class ability; the timing, precision and execution were simply mesmeric and indicative of his refined South American skill. He would certainly add the requisite “bite” that Mourinho has been lamenting in recent weeks.
3. Vibrant Villa
No player attempted more dribbles during the 90 minutes – prior to extra time – than Boca’s incisive Colombian winger Sebastian Villa, attempting seven dribbles in total, while successfully rounding his opponent on two occasions.
Fans on English soil would have been keeping their eye on one Colombian, in the form of Wilmar Barrios after he rose to prominence during the World Cup for appearing to head-butt Jordan Henderson, while Spurs have also been linked with the midfield destroyer, but it is Villa who would have caught the eye.
The 22-year-old impressed with his penetrative runs and neat footwork, proving the fulcrum of Schelotto’s counter-attacking tactics, thrusting forward with verve and purpose, while never shying away from trying to beat his man.
It was a performance reminiscent of compatriot Juan Cuadrado, and it may not be long before the former Deportes Tolima player rocks up in Europe should he continue to produce performances on this level.
4. Palacios gets taste of potential new home
It was revealed last month that Exequiel Palacios is set to hold talks with 13-time European champions Real Madrid after River Plate president Rodrigo D’Onofrio shed light on the situation, and so, the central midfielder was given the perfect opportunity to showcase his worth this evening.
Should reports come to fruition then Palacios has now been given the ideal introduction to life in the Spanish capital, with tonight’s match showcasing the sheer scale of Bernabeu’s imposing architecture; it is stunning stadium and can create an intense atmosphere that has the capacity to either destroy confidence or inject impetus on equal measure.
The all-round midfielder was a composed figure in the middle of the park, making the second-most passes of any central midfielder on the pitch as he formed an industrious and diligent partnership alongside Enzo Perez.
It was a meticulous performance and he certainly looked a tidy player. Palacios could prove a shrewd acquisition should the European giants follow up on interest and pounce for the 20-year-old – with Luka Modric entering his twilight years, Palacios could be the man to step up, though he is by no means the finished article just yet.
5. Schelotto and Gallardo tinker with tactics
Both managers opted to make notable changes in their starting line-ups for this crunch clash, and as such, each manager selected starting XIs that they had never previously utilised in the competition, Gallardo also changing his formation.
The move perhaps backfired in the opening exchanges for Gallardo as River Plate struggled to gain any significant momentum in the first-half, with Boca dominating the key chances despite the former’s superiority in possession: 67% in the opening 45 minutes.
However, Los Millonarios failed to register a single shot on target and soon found themselves a goal down after Boca broke with frightening pace; Benedetto, who failed to start in the first leg, the beneficiary of a delightful Nandez pass, who duly dispatched.
It was a tactically astute move from Schelotto in starting Benedetto from the off after the Argentine marksman scored in the reverse fixture at La Bombonera, and he certainly repaid the faith shown in him by striking beyond the keeper’s reach and putting Boca one to the good.
Having said that Gallardo made an inspired tactical move of his own, taking off captain and veteran midfielder Leonardo Ponzio for the mercurial marvel Juan Fernando Quintero – the change transformed River’s style of play and energy, and the pint-sized magician would ultimately net the decisive goal.
The post Five things learned as Juan Quintero’s wonder goal decides the thrilling Copa Libertadores final appeared first on Squawka News.
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