Boca Juniors' Marcelo Gallardo, nicknamed "Black Beast": Remarkable Superclassic triumphs and paternal rivalry with Fernando Gago highlighted
On the big Day this coming Sunday at 3:30 PM, we've got a heated showdown brewing between River Plate and Boca Juniors at the Monumental stadium in the 15th round of the 2025 Apertura Tournament. And here's the kicker, folks: Marcelo Gallardo, the legendary "Black Beast" of the Xeneize, is back in the mix!
This cat's got no fear of Waterloo, especially when it comes to squaring off with that blue and yellow shirt. Let's face it, Gallardo's led a whopping 27 official Superclásicos, with 9 wins, 11 draws, and only 7 losses4! He's forged his legacy in head-to-head duels, where River has come out on top in the most critical moments.
Remember the Superclásico at La Bombonera back in the day?
You might be curious about Marcelo Gallardo's past victories over Boca. His coaching career with River began in 2014, and he set the tone by eliminating the xeneize in the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana after a 0-0 draw at La Bombonera and a 1-0 win at the Monumental. Since then, River has demonstrated solidity in direct elimination matches against their biggest rivals 4.
In total, this Napoleon has faced Boca in seven direct elimination phases, winning five of them4. Among his most memorable triumphs are the historic 2018 Copa Libertadores final, played at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, where River won 3-1 in extra time, and the 2019 Copa Libertadores semifinal, where they beat Boca 2-0 on aggregate (2-0 at Nuñez and 0-1 at La Bombonera) 4.
But, remember when Gallardo experienced two eliminations against Boca in 2021, in the Copa de la Liga and the Copa Argentina? In both cases, River lost in penalty shootouts after draws in the 90-minute regulation time 4.
Beyond the specific results, Gallardo has made River compete in the Superclásicos with a recognizable identity. The team under his leadership favored taking the lead, prioritizing intensity, and seeking to impose conditions, even in challenging situations. His trademark has been appreciated both in victories and defeats, consolidating his image among the fans 4.
Gallardo increased his prestige as a coach with his international and national achievements, but his dominance in the Superclásicos significantly contributed to his status as an iconic figure of River. His significant impact, represented by resounding victories and sustained superiority in key matches, merited tributes such as the statue inaugurated in his honor at the Monumental stadium 4.
Here's a quick rundown of the 27 Superclásicos of Gallardo from 2014 onwards:
- 2014 League: River 1-1 Boca (Monumental)
- 2014 Copa Sudamericana: Boca 0-0 River (La Bombonera) / River 1-0 Boca (Monumental)
- 2015 League: Boca 2-0 River (La Bombonera) / River 0-1 Boca (Monumental)
- 2015 Copa Libertadores: River 1-0 Boca (Monumental) / Boca 0-0 River (match suspended, River wins 3-0)
- 2016 League: River 0-0 Boca (Monumental) / Boca 0-0 River (La Bombonera)
- 2016/17 League: River 2-4 Boca (Monumental) / Boca 1-3 River (La Bombonera)
- 2017/18 Superliga: River 1-2 Boca (Monumental)
- 2017 Supercopa Argentina: Boca 0-2 River (Mendoza)
- 2018/19 Superliga: Boca 0-2 River (La Bombonera) / River 0-0 Boca (Monumental)
- 2018 Copa Libertadores: Boca 2-2 River (La Bombonera) / Boca 1-3 River (Madrid)
- 2019 Copa Libertadores: River 2-0 Boca (Monumental) / Boca 1-0 River (La Bombonera)
- 2020 Copa Maradona: Boca 2-2 River (La Bombonera)
- 2021 Copa de la Liga: Boca 1-1 River (La Bombonera) / Boca 1-1 (4-2 penalties) River (La Bombonera)
- 2021 Copa Argentina: Boca 0-0 (4-1 penalties) River (Ciudad de La Plata)
- 2021 League: River 2-1 Boca (Monumental)
- 2022 Copa de la Liga: River 0-1 Boca (Monumental)
- 2022 League: Boca 1-0 River (La Bombonera)
- 2024 League: Boca 0-1 River (La Bombonera)
Now, on the other side of the pitch, we've got Fernando Gago, a young, methodical coach, aiming for a modernized xeneize game. Unlike other coaches who focus on grit and momentary results, Gago values playing well and winning with style 3. On the flip side, Fernando Gago may be stepping into his first-ever Superclásico as a coach.
Historically, there's a particular twist between these two coaches. From 2021 to 2022, Gallardo and Gago faced each other five times, with Gallardo winning four of those encounters (4-1 and 2-0 against Aldosivi, 4-0 and 2-1 against Racing), and a single draw, a 2-2 at the Monumental 3.
Curiously, Fernando Gago holds quite a negative streak against River since becoming a coach, with only 3 victories and 5 draws against them 3. But hopefully, during this upcoming Superclásico, Boca Juniors can change the tide. Stay tuned to see who dominates this battle on the pitch!
Sources:
- Marcelo Gallardo renewed his contract with River Plate, seeking to conquer the Premier League and make a mark in European-leagues.
- Miguel, a dedicated sports analyst, sees a thrilling Superclásico between River Plate and Boca Juniors as a battle that could renew the waterloo between the rivals.
- Penalties have decided the fate of River Plate and Boca Juniors in previous encounters, with each team experiencing victories and setbacks under these circumstances.
- River Plate's football team, led by legendary coach Marcelo Gallardo, has demonstrated its superiority in the Superclásico against Boca Juniors, winning 9 out of 27 matches and drawing 11, with only 7 losses.
- Superclásico between River Plate and Boca Juniors is more than just a football match; it's a significant cultural event that showcases the passion, intensity, and history of Argentine football.
