The home side edged the Superclasico to set up a Copa Sudamericana final against Colombian side Atletico Nacional
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Leonardo Pisculichi grabbed the only goal of a typically competitive Superclasico as River Plate beat Boca Juniors 1-0 to secure a place in the final of the Copa Sudamericana.
After the first leg at Boca's La Bombonera finished scoreless, Pisculichi struck the decisive goal after 15 minutes, slotting his shot into the bottom corner of the net to spark wild celebrations at the Estadio Monumental.
By then Boca could have been ahead after a blistering start which saw them awarded a penalty inside 20 seconds following Ariel Rojas’ clumsy kick on César Meli.
Emanuel Gigliotti took the spot-kick but his tame effort - after a long delay while a laser was shone in his face - was palmed clear by Marcelo Barovero in the River goal.
Gigliotti's attempts to make amends were foiled as he was twice denied by Barovero.
River eventually grew into the game and took the lead from their first attack of note, Pisculichi converting Leonel Vangioni’s cross.
Gigliotti's woes continued as he had a goal chalked off for a marginal offside decision while Boca's Jonathan Calleri also came close before the break.
Colombia striker Teo Gutierrez wasted a wonderful chance to double the hosts' advantage following the restart but it mattered little as River's challenge waned.
The visitors' frustration boiled over in injury-time when defender Cata Diaz was sent-off for a nasty kick at Teo.
Barovero said afterwards: "Since I arrived at this club I have played in a lot of Superclasicos, but not one like this.
"We are very happy as this group and the fans deserved this. It is always nice to win, but it is better to do it against Boca."
River, who have never won South America's second-tier continental competition, will face Atletico over two legs, the first coming in Colombia on December 3.
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