The change of wind is not a guarantee in a Superclassica

That football predictions don’t count is a truth of truism. And less in a Superclásico between River and Boca. But the game is so attractive, so many external factors are involved in addition to the technical and physical abilities of the players, that some rough figures seem to serve. Until 10 or 12 days ago when River impressed with their devastating run of eight straight wins and no goals against and topped the league while Boca struggled through a dangerous crisis and navigated to the bottom with 18 points gap in the championship tournament that it could have been thought that only that mystery surrounding the unique circumstances of this match could have saved her from a catastrophic defeat…

But -suddenly- the winds changed. At Boca, Riquelme decided to hire a coach who wasn’t part of his routine of calling on former teammates at a club that since his arrival has become just that: a club of ex-footballers. That’s how it came Jorge Almiron, an expert coach who -although he has not repeated that great season of Lanús from previous years in his subsequent performances- knows how to impose a style of play (which Boca lacked, beyond the titles won in these three years) and is very concerned in training. That little bit of performance improvement was noticed within days. The surprising tactical variation of including Advíncula (who had been questioned) in an attacking position with the support of a wing marker (Weigandt) took effect. Because the Peruvian became a “gunner” with two goals from a “left-handed”, the less skilled leg than him. But the most evident has been the change in terms of dynamics that have improved supported by a greater commitment from the protagonists..

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This light move from Boca, confirmed with the nice victory against Colo Colo, Chile, for the Copa Libertadores, makes him a favorite, then? And more after the sensational victory achieved by River (5-1) against Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro for that same tournament? To believe it would seem to be an unacceptable naivety in football. Even the fact that it is played in the enlarged and beautiful Monumental stadium does not seem to be a decisive argument. Unopposed public encouragement from the rival is, of course, worth it. But did Boca come to lose three consecutive games in its elusive? box of candy Do the “secrets” that the technicians keep on forms and tactics play their part? Only up there. football is at a standstill “Dynamics of the Unthinkable” as the great journalist Dante Panzeri once defined him. Sure, the best usually win the most, individually or collectively, but psychological factors or random hits play their part with assiduous frequency. That’s why this sports game is so unpredictable and exciting.

River were overwhelming here and picked up a cup win. Boca foundered at the bottom of the table and didn’t have a game plan until Almirón appeared and put some momentum. The winds have changed, it’s true. But that’s not a guarantee of anything. The Superclásico has its codes. Unique. And impenetrable.