Nicolas Blandi scores twice to lead Boca Juniors to a comfortable victory over arch-rivals River Plate in the Argentine superclasico on Wednesday.
Boca Juniors defeated eternal rivals River Plate 2-0 in the latest edition of the Argentine superclasico at the Centenario stadium in Chaco on Wednesday night.
The historic derby, because it was the first since the relegation of River Plate to the Argentine second division, was decided by a goal in each half by talented Boca Juniors striker Nicolas Blandi.
River pushed to the attack straight from the kick-off and although they looked extremely dangerous, their approach appeared to backfire as from the run of play Blandi fired Boca ahead in the 6th minute when he connected to a precise right-wing cross from Pablo Mouche with a bullet header.
River were evidently shell-shocked after conceding the goal, and lost their head altogether when key player Alejandro Dominguez received his marching orders in the 26th minute when he repeatedly protested to referee Diego Abal after being awarded a yellow card for a harsh foul on Boca midfielder Pablo Ledesma.
The Argentine Apertura champions dominated their opponents from that instance, but although they looked dangerous at all moments they couldn't double their lead. At times Boca were much too hot to handle for a vulnerable River outfit, and this had much to do with the wealth of depth they have in their midfield.
In the second period Matias Almeyda, the coach of River, made a number of changes to his squad, with the introductions of Cesar Gonzalez and French striker David Trezeguet, who unlike on his debut when he scored against Racing Club, couldn't get himself into the game.
Los Millonarios put together a nice passing game, but left big gaps in their midfield and defence, which Boca tried to take advantage of with numerous swift counter attacks. But they failed to make the most of them due to the fact that some of their players, like Mouche preferred to go on greedy solo runs.
In the 66th minute Boca were reduced to ten-men, when Facundo Roncaglia was ejected for a second bookable offence. Due to this, River took command of the game as they searched for an equaliser.
Moments later River came close to drawing level through Fernando Cavenaghi and then Jonatan Maidana, but couldn't find the back of the Boca net.
Despite River's best intentions, in the 79th minute Blandi put the match well beyond their reach when he scored Boca's second goal of the night when he poked home an inch-perfect right-sided cross from Nicolas Colazo after a remarkable collective move.
Despite the result, River will have an opportunity to avenge their defeat to Boca when the sides meet again in Mendoza on Sunday.
The historic derby, because it was the first since the relegation of River Plate to the Argentine second division, was decided by a goal in each half by talented Boca Juniors striker Nicolas Blandi.
River pushed to the attack straight from the kick-off and although they looked extremely dangerous, their approach appeared to backfire as from the run of play Blandi fired Boca ahead in the 6th minute when he connected to a precise right-wing cross from Pablo Mouche with a bullet header.
River were evidently shell-shocked after conceding the goal, and lost their head altogether when key player Alejandro Dominguez received his marching orders in the 26th minute when he repeatedly protested to referee Diego Abal after being awarded a yellow card for a harsh foul on Boca midfielder Pablo Ledesma.
The Argentine Apertura champions dominated their opponents from that instance, but although they looked dangerous at all moments they couldn't double their lead. At times Boca were much too hot to handle for a vulnerable River outfit, and this had much to do with the wealth of depth they have in their midfield.
In the second period Matias Almeyda, the coach of River, made a number of changes to his squad, with the introductions of Cesar Gonzalez and French striker David Trezeguet, who unlike on his debut when he scored against Racing Club, couldn't get himself into the game.
Los Millonarios put together a nice passing game, but left big gaps in their midfield and defence, which Boca tried to take advantage of with numerous swift counter attacks. But they failed to make the most of them due to the fact that some of their players, like Mouche preferred to go on greedy solo runs.
In the 66th minute Boca were reduced to ten-men, when Facundo Roncaglia was ejected for a second bookable offence. Due to this, River took command of the game as they searched for an equaliser.
Moments later River came close to drawing level through Fernando Cavenaghi and then Jonatan Maidana, but couldn't find the back of the Boca net.
Despite River's best intentions, in the 79th minute Blandi put the match well beyond their reach when he scored Boca's second goal of the night when he poked home an inch-perfect right-sided cross from Nicolas Colazo after a remarkable collective move.
Despite the result, River will have an opportunity to avenge their defeat to Boca when the sides meet again in Mendoza on Sunday.
