It’s happening.
The second leg of Copa Libertdores final will be played at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, 15 days after the scheduled date.
Although a location has finally been selected, it has not come without criticism.
The decision to host CONMEBOL’s showpiece event in Europe has received condemnation from every corner with both Boca Juniors and River Plate formally submitting complaints regarding the move.
However, both squads are now in Spain and are preparing for the game. The teams weren’t the only ones unimpressed with the decision.
Argentine and Boca Juniors legend Juan Roman Riquelme described the situation as “strange” on Argentine radio station Radio Mitre.
“The Superclásico is one of the few things that is ours – like our barbecues, mate, dulce leche… whatever.
“The Superclásico is ours and they’ve taken it away from us. It’s our party, in our country – a game between the biggest two clubs in the country.
“On the one hand we have to feel proud to have two Argentine teams in such a prestigious final but it’s sad that it’s going to be played in another country.”
Carlos Tevez echoed Riquelme’s sentiments labelling the final “weird”.
“To play a match between Boca and River in Madrid, it’s weird. But as a player, it is important to stay focused on the match.”
Tevez was also diplomatic when asked if the change in venue hurt River Plate more than Boca – as it lost the home ground advantage.
“I don’t think so. River have a lot more pressure playing at home and now it is 50-50. To play at home, sometimes it goes against you in a Libertadores final.”
The match will be played at 6:30 am AEDT on Monday morning.
