Superclásico: the most decisive players of the last 20 years according to AI

The superclásico between River and Boca is much more than a match, it's a battle of talent, passion, and moments that remain forever in the fans' memory. Over the last two decades, several names have excelled in these historic duels. Some were unexpected heroes, others simply confirmed their legendary status.

Here we review, according to artificial intelligence, five players from each side who marked a turning point in the River-Boca matches of the last 20 years.

River Plate

Juan Fernando Quintero

Author of the most iconic goal in the recent history of the superclásicos: the eternal left-footed shot in Madrid in the 2018 Copa Libertadores final. That goal tipped the balance in favor of the Millonario and ended up being crucial for the 3-1 final. Beyond that goal, his quality was always a differential when he faced Boca.

Leonardo Ponzio

Captain, leader, and warrior of the superclásicos. His presence in the midfield was always vital for River to maintain control and aggression in the toughest matches. One of his most memorable moments occurred in the 2017/18 Superliga clásico, when he scored a long-distance goal, showing that he was not only the man of marking but also of magic. That goal was a true war cry that ignited the entire Monumental.

Lucas Pratto

The "Bear" was an essential piece in the historic 2018 Copa Libertadores final, playing a key role both in the first and second legs. In the first match at the Bombonera, despite not scoring, his presence was essential in River's attack, being a reference in the offense and creating spaces for his teammates. However, it was in the second superclásico, in Madrid, where Pratto left an indelible mark. In that match, besides his relentless fight and work in the rival area, he was responsible for scoring the 1-1 equalizer, which ignited hope and changed the course of the final.

Gonzalo "Pity" Martínez

The xeneize executioner in the Gallardo era. Pity was the player who hurt Boca the most in key matches: a goal in the 2018 Argentine Super Cup final in Mendoza (2-0 for River), an assist in the first leg of the 2018 Libertadores at the Bombonera, and the mythical third goal in Madrid that sealed the most important final in history. Moreover, he was the man who best understood how to play the superclásicos, always with daring and personality, two virtues highly valued by the fans.

Marcelo Barovero

The goalkeeper who changed the recent history of the Millonario with the penalty saved against Gigliotti in the 2014 Copa Sudamericana semifinal. His performance in that match marked the beginning of the club's most important winning cycle: the Gallardo era. His figure grew in those head-to-head duels where the margins were minimal and was crucial for winning the following international titles, including the 2015 Libertadores.

Boca Juniors

Juan Román Riquelme

The emblem of Boca in the superclásicos, absolute master of the times. Every time he faced River, Román imposed his talent and personality, leaving iconic images. One of the most remembered was in the 2001 Clausura, when he scored a penalty at the Bombonera and celebrated by doing the famous "Topo Gigio" in front of the box where Mauricio Macri was, in a gesture that went down in eternity. Besides his quality to manage the matches, he always found a way to be decisive in the hottest stage of Argentine soccer.

Martín Palermo

Boca's eternal scorer, undisputed idol, and specialist in epic moments. Among his most remembered feats against River is the mythical "muletazo" in the 2000 Copa Libertadores. The Titan was coming off a serious ligament injury, entered with a leg brace, and, almost without mobility, scored the third goal in the 3-0 thrashing that eliminated River on a historic night for the Xeneize. Moreover, he scored in several superclásicos throughout his career, always appearing in decisive moments.

Carlos Tevez

The "Apache" was decisive every time he wore the Boca jersey in the superclásicos, with his characteristic temperament and key goals. One of his most remembered moments was in the return leg of the 2004 Libertadores semis, when he scored a decisive goal at the Bombonera and, after scoring, made the famous "chicken dance" gesture, making a "wiggle" with his hands to provoke River's fans. This goal not only put him in the club's history but also made clear his love for the clásicos and his ability to make them even more intense.

Sebastián Battaglia

Boca's most successful midfielder was key in many superclásicos, but one of the most outstanding was the 2004 Copa Libertadores, when Boca faced River in the semifinal of that tournament. In the first leg, Battaglia was the team's engine, dominating the midfield and cutting off all of River's advances. His presence was crucial to neutralize the creative rivals and ensure victory. The match ended 1-0 in favor of Boca, allowing them to advance to the final and, ultimately, become champions. Battaglia, with his combative playing style and ability to make a difference in decisive matches, left an indelible mark on that superclásico.

The "Mellizo" was one of the most decisive players in the history of the superclásicos, with 5 goals to his name. Two of them were in the 2003 Clausura, where the La Ribera team was down 2-0. Besides tying the match, he provoked the expulsion of Martín Demichelis.