The Copa Libertadores final between Boca Junior and River Plate has been billed as the biggest club game of all time, and it is not hard to see why.
The Argentinian rivals share what is perhaps the most fierce rivalry in the sport, with meetings between the two always a guaranteed source of drama. There have been countless incidents during their matches down through the years, including an incident where four River Plate players were teargassed by Boca fans as they walked down the tunnel at half-time.
It is no understatement to say their meeting in the final of South America's premier club competition is the biggest occasion in the history of club football, and it has definitely not disappointed so far.
The first leg of the final is being played in Boca's La Bombonera stadium this evening, and the opening half was incredible. The atmosphere in the ground is unlike anything we have seen, and the place absolutely erupted when Ramon Avila gave the home side the lead in the 35th minute.
Just listen to that roar. Their joy did not last long however. Avila was still celebrating his opener when River Plate would score straight from kick-off. All it took was one pass to completely cut open the defence, with Lucas Pretto providing the smart finish to stun the crowd.
Amazingly, there was still more to come from this incredible opening period. With the game 30 seconds into first half injury time, Boca lumped a long ball into the opposition penalty area.
There was definitely some suspect defensive positioning here, and Dario Benedetto managed to get his head on the ball and steer it home. Queue that deafening roar once again.
1-1 at the half-way mark, River would get an equaliser at the hour mark. Somewhat fortuitous perhaps, the game would finish 2-2, and now sets up an intriguing second-leg.
