RIVER PLATE face Boca Juniors in another huge Copa Libertadores encounter.
In last season’s final River were 3-1 winners at the Bernabeu and now they face off in the semis.
1
Do away goals count in the Copa Libertadores?
Away goals count in every round of the Copa Libertadores except, traditionally, the final.
However, this year the final is being held over one leg, so the rule is irrelevant.
As far as this meeting between River and Boca is concerned, any goals away from home in this year’s tie between River and Boca could prove crucial.
Does the Copa Libertadores final have extra time?
Extra time is not played in South American club competitions.
River Plate vs Boca Juniors will go straight to penalties if a winner can’t be found in 90 minutes.
That was the case when the two sides met in an incredible 2004 semi-final which ended 2-2 on aggregate.
With away goals not counting at the time, Cristian Nasuti netted a last minute goal to give River a 2-1 win on the night in a match which saw both sides reduced to nine men.
But it was Boca who recovered from that blow to hold their nerve and win the tie on penalties.
Why is the Copa Libertadores final two legs?
The Copa Libertadores final has always been played over two legs since the competition’s inception in 1960.
In fact, until 1989 a third match was played at a neutral venue if the sides won one leg each, regardless of the aggregate score.
But this year’s final will be the last to be played over two legs.
From 2019, the final will consist of a single match held at a neutral venue, as is the case in the Champions League.
Santiago, Chile will host next year’s final.
