River v Boca: What the rivalry means to Australia's Argentinians

The historic rivalry between Boca Juniors and River Plate, the two most emblematic teams in Argentina, is felt strongly in Australia.

Fans of River and Boca in Australia

Fans of River and Boca in Australia Source: Sebastian Moscatelli/Glen Sarmiento

On Sunday, many of the 13,000 Argentinians living in Australia are expected to rise to watch the first leg of the Copa Libertadores final from Boca's La Bombonera stadium.

It is considered the most important 'superclasico' match of all time as it's the first time both Buenos Aires clubs will meet in the final of South America's biggest club competition. 

This unprecedented event will be watched with heightened emotion and passion, according to Sydney-based River fan Santiago Moscatelli, who has travelled as far as Japan to watch his beloved team. 

"For me, River is the most beautiful thing. It gives me a lot of joy and suffering. It takes me to the grave and to the sky," Mr Moscatelli told SBS Spanish.
River fan Santiago Moscatelli
River fan Santiago Moscatelli Source: Santiago Moscatelli
On the other side of the coin, Sydneysider Löeby Lovato said his blood flows in the colours of Boca.

"As a fan of Boca, nothing compares to a final against River. It is even bigger than my life when it comes to the final of the Copa Libertadores and above all, one that is played for the first time," he said. 

"Boca must win, there is no other result."

The rivalry between the 'bosteros' (Boca) and the 'millionaires' (River) will be watched in mostly peaceful surroundings in Australia, which will be vastly different to Argentina. 

Dozens of fans have died at football stadiums across Argentina over the years, and despite heightened security, both clubs have urged their fans to "celebrate" the match.

"I am not a fan of River or Boca, but it is a very important series for Argentinians that will surely remain in the history of the 'boastful' neighbourhood," impartial fan Víctor Piñero said.

"The fans of Boca and River are going to live as if it were the final of the World Cup, like if it was Argentina facing Brazil."
Hinchas del Boca
Glen Jonathan Sarmiento and other Boca fans Source: Glen Jonathan Sarmiento
Mr Piñero said Argentinians unanimously condemn violence between football fans but admits it's a "very sad reality". 

He said, "it is the faithful reflection of an aggressive and intolerable society that rots due to corruption".

Mr Moscatelli also pointed out that "soccer reflects what Argentine society is... but in Australia, things are more relaxed".

In Australia, the rivalry can reach its extremes, but Mr Lovato said friendly wages were usually made.

"You make a life bet, a lunch, a pizza or an Argentine barbecue, anyone who loses must pay the other and endure a week of jokes with memes of the losers, photos, videos and texts," he said.

Victories and defeats are felt deeply, River fan psychologist Gabriela Salabert said

Ms Salabert remembers the feeling of disappointment when River was relegated to the second division in 2011.

She was working at Sydney's Fairfield hospital at the time.

"I can not tell you the slump that many patients lived, fans of the millionaires," she said. 

For many fans, the clubs represent everything that is associated with day-to-day life. 

"For me being a Boca fan is a connection with my grandfather and my dad, since the rest of the family goes for River," said Marina García Ricci.
Marina Garcia Ricci hincha del Boca
Marina Garcia Ricci, a fan of Boca Source: Facebook
Ms Ricci said she remembers that there were many times when family arguments arose around the dinner table when Boca won.

"I come from a very Spanish family on my father's side and very Italian on my mother's side. In Argentina, the Italians usually follow Boca, it is a team with roots and bases in the neighbourhood," she said. 

Mr Lovato said during his school years, the majority of his classmates supported either Boca or River and that his father, wouldn't let him choose either of them.

"As my Italian nona (grandmother) and I joked, in the end I was able to follow Boca," he said. 

"I feel sorry for my father, who against his will, took me to La Bombonera, the same year that Boca won everything in 78-79, and I saw Diego Maradona play and win the Boca. I got intoxicated with his football, his passion, the colours. It was unforgettable. Those who have been at La Bombonera know the feeling. It is something really special. It really makes you tremble."
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images) Source: Getty
For Ms Salabert - who could never take a boyfriend to a Boca home match and whose son Sebastián participated in the River schools in Argentina - listening to matches over the radio was the norm.

"I played my whole childhood with my uncles, my grandfather, on Saturdays listening to River play - most of the players of the national team were from River. There's a pride being from River."

READ MORE


Listen to us on Radio SBS Spanish 24/7

You can listen to us through Radio Digital, through our live streaming service here on our website or through our mobile app.

Download the free application here:
btn_store_ios.png
btn_store_android.png


Share
5 min read

Published

Updated

By R.O

Share this with family and friends


Follow SBS Spanish

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Spanish-speaking Australians.
Learn about Australia's past in the present through some of our most influential Hispanic migrants.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Spanish News

Spanish News

Watch in onDemand
River v Boca: What the rivalry means to Australia's Argentinians | SBS Spanish