Jump directly to the content

RIVER PLATE players were pelted with missiles during the fiery 2-2 Copa Libertadores clash against fierce rivals Boca Juniors.

Twenty-four minutes in River were awarded a corner, forcing Gonzalo Martinez to get closer than he's have liked to the home fans.

Gonzalo Martinez was trying to take a corner kick for River Plate - but that was easier said than done
7
Gonzalo Martinez was trying to take a corner kick for River Plate - but that was easier said than doneCredit: BT Sport
The midfielder appeared to be hit on the head by an object thrown by the Boca fans
7
The midfielder appeared to be hit on the head by an object thrown by the Boca fansCredit: BT Sport

As Martinez went to take the corner, he was hit on the head and arm by objects thrown from the crowd.

This was despite the supporters being fenced in inside La Bombonera.

The referee held up play and appealed to the crowd to allow the kick to be taken, and this video footage shows just what Martinez was having to deal with.

Boca and River drew 2-2 in a passionately contested first leg of the final that was delayed by a day because of thunder, lightning and a torrential downpour.

The referee told the player to get a move on, despite him being attacked by the corner flag
7
The referee told the player to get a move on, despite him being attacked by the corner flagCredit: BT Sport
The River Plate midfielder appealed for some understanding from the officials
7
The River Plate midfielder appealed for some understanding from the officialsCredit: BT Sport

The two Argentine clubs hold one of the fiercest rivalries in world football.

And it had been called "The Game of the Century" because it's the first time they've met in the final of South America's equivalent of the Champions League.

Visiting supporters were not allowed because of concerns for potential violence.

But home fans at a sold-out La Bombonera Stadium roared when Boca forward Ramon Abila opened the scoring in the 34th minute.

The 25-year-old River Plate midfielder p;aced the ball down to take the corner - but the Boca fans were armed and ready
7
The 25-year-old River Plate midfielder p;aced the ball down to take the corner - but the Boca fans were armed and readyCredit: BT Sport
All Gonzalo Martinez could do was wait until the Boca fans had finished their throwing
7
All Gonzalo Martinez could do was wait until the Boca fans had finished their throwingCredit: BT Sport

Two minutes later, the raucous noise turned to near silence as River striker Lucas Pratto equalised.

The end-to-end game intensified with further goals.

Forward Dario Benedetto made it 2-1 to Boca with a header in first-half stoppage time before Boca defender Carlos Izquierdoz scored an own-goal in the 61st as he tried to deflect a free-kick with his head.

Benedetto came off the bench in the 26th after Cristian Pavon left the field in tears with a muscle injury.

The goalscorer said after the game: "Both teams had a good game and the result was fair for both.

"I think Boca's soccer was better, but River also had its merits."

The game finished 2-2 - but for River Plate player Gonzalo Martinez it will be remembered for the wrong reasons
7
The game finished 2-2 - but for River Plate player Gonzalo Martinez it will be remembered for the wrong reasonsCredit: BT Sport

The match was first postponed on Saturday because of violent storms that lashed Buenos Aires.

The second leg will be played at River's Monumental de Nunez stadium on November 24.

Boca have won the title six times, one behind Argentine club Independiente's South American record of seven.

River have won it three times.

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU