Boca Juniors' defensive woes point to River Plate punt

Boca Juniors v River Plate - first leg
BT Sport 2 & FreeSports, 8pm Saturday

Few matches stir up a fiercer rivalry than River Plate against Boca Juniors and the stakes will only be magnified in the two-legged final of the Copa Libertadores.

River Plate have already beaten their bitter rivals away at La Bombonera in the league this year and can take a big step towards the Libertadores title with victory in the first leg.

The visitors claimed the scalp of holders Gremio in the semi-finals on away goals thanks to a 95th-minute penalty from Gonzalo Martinez, who could play an important role in the final.

Martinez has nine goals in all competitions in 2018, including one against Boca and three in the Libertadores, and is at the heart of a team renowned for its quick, high-intensity game.

Boca won the shot count 20-6 against River Plate in the home defeat and their emphasis on attack often leaves them open at the back.

Boca have conceded in eight of their last ten matches and their defensive frailties can be exposed by a fluid River attack featuring Lucas Pratto, Rafael Borre and Juan Fernando Quintero.

Recommendation
River Plate
1pt 12-5 bet365

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