Even by its usual standards, Sunday night’s game between fierce rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors was absolutely wild, with six players and a manager being sent off in a brawl after the winning goal was scored.
The Superclasico appeared to be heading for a 0-0 stalemate before Miguel Borja stepped up to slot home a 93rd-minute penalty winner after Boca’s Agustin Sanchez fouled Pablo Solari.
The goal went in, Borja wheeled away to celebrate but the drama was only beginning as a mass brawl quickly ensued. It was alleged to have started when River’s Agustin Palavecino goaded ex-Manchester United keeper Sergio Romero, who was in goals for Boca.
In a matter of mere seconds, almost every player from both sides was involved, tempers no doubt even more flared by the 83,000 people inside a red-hot Estadio Monumental.
Six players, three from each side, as well as Boca manager Jorge Almiron, were eventually sent off by the referee, who was then forced to play an incredible 19 minutes of added time. Somehow Romero avoided any punishment despite being one of the primary instigators.
Take a look at this Royal Rumble-like scene below (shared on Twitter by @CBSSportsGolazo)
River Plate score on Boca Juniors and a melee ensues! 😳 pic.twitter.com/lHJsQnkPJq
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 7, 2023
Just another Sunday in Argentinian football.