Boca icons preview Superclásico v River: officiating and Monumental | OneFootball

After the 3-0 thrashing of Barcelona de Guayaquil at La Bombonera, which left them well positioned in the Copa Libertadores, Boca turned its full attention to Sunday’s Superclásico against River, set for 5:00 p.m. in the Apertura Tournament. This Thursday, after the morning training session, some of Xeneize’s senior figures looked ahead to the clash with the Millonario and spoke about the refereeing crew and the Monumental pitch.

The appointed referee was Darío Herrera, the central figure in a controversial ending in 2023, when Boca felt hard done by a last-minute penalty that led to Miguel Borja’s 1-0 winner. Leandro Paredes, captain of Claudio Úbeda’s team, said: «We focus on playing; I don’t believe anyone has bad intentions. We are aware of what happened in that match, but beyond that we trust ourselves, and we know people can make mistakes, just like we do, but it doesn’t worry us at all».

In addition, the Argentina international midfielder referred to the poor condition of the field in Núñez. «Given the way we play, we need the pitch to be in good condition, but that’s part of this, coming across these kinds of fields, and we’ll try to do the best we can», he said.

Even so, he said he was «very eager and hopeful» because «playing in a Superclásico is something very special». As for the team’s form, with a 12-match unbeaten run, he said they are «very confident» because of the «positive results, playing well, and hopefully on Sunday we can put in a great performance».

Figal and Merentiel recalled the controversial Superclásico

From that controversial match in 2023, two of the players still in Boca’s squad are Nicolás Figal and Miguel Merentiel, who also spoke to the press. «I was in that match, we don’t have good memories of it, but we have to detach ourselves from that. They (the referees) have a big responsibility, just like we do», said the center back. «We trust the officiating crew that is chosen, so there’s no need to worry. Some strange things happened, but I don’t want to get into the subject because it puts people in the wrong frame of mind», he added.

«We were looking at the pitch, it’s going to be bad for both teams. Once you step on the field, none of that matters, and we’re waiting for it, hopefully it will go our way», he said. «There’s a very good harmony in the group and around the team. The younger guys are doing well, just like the older ones. I’m in that older-player role now and you have to push. It’s a nice responsibility, I take it that way, and we’re very happy», he concluded.

«At the time we felt we were harmed, but we shouldn’t focus on that, but on the game, on the match», the Beast later said. «We’ve been looking a bit at the field. Maybe it’s not the best, but derbies are different matches», he added.

With four goals in six matches against River, the Uruguayan wants to score again, but he also hopes the same for Adam Bareiro, his strike partner and a former River player. «Sometimes it’s your turn to score in these kinds of matches, which are important, but I try to stay calm and hope for the best on Sunday. You always think about getting on the scoresheet; hopefully Adam gets the chance, because he works hard for the team and has been very good for us», he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.