Leandro Paredes Penalty Decides Intense Superclásico as Boca Juniors Stun River Plate at the Monumental

Leandro Paredes converts a decisive penalty at the Monumental as Boca Juniors beats River Plate to end their rival's unbeaten run in the 2026 Apertura.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 3:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Paredes Strikes Early in High-Stakes Derby

The 266th chapter of the Argentine Superclásico was settled by the narrowest of margins on April 19, 2026, as Boca Juniors secured a pivotal away victory. In a match characterized by high intensity and tactical rigidity, the breakthrough occurred just before the halftime whistle. A handball by River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero inside the box prompted referee Darío Herrera to point to the spot. Midfield veteran Leandro Paredes, who has been instrumental in Boca’s recent technical stability, stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Santiago Beltrán. The goal not only decided the fixture but served as a crowning moment for Paredes in his leadership role within the squad.

Coudet’s Unbeaten Streak Shattered at Home

For River Plate, the defeat marked a significant setback and the end of a remarkable unbeaten streak under coach Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet. Since taking the reins in March 2026, Coudet had transformed the team’s offensive output, largely through the creativity of young star Kendry Páez. However, the loss of striker Sebastián Driussi to an early injury forced an unplanned tactical shift, bringing Maximiliano Salas into the fray. Despite controlling large portions of the second-half possession and territory, the Millonarios found themselves unable to breach a disciplined and compact defensive unit organized by Claudio Úbeda.

Defensive Masterclass Secures the Three Points

The second half became a testament to Boca Juniors’ newfound defensive resilience under the guidance of Claudio “Sifón” Úbeda. Goalkeeper Leandro Brey produced a series of critical saves, particularly in the closing stages as River Plate threw numbers forward in a desperate search for an equalizer. While Exequiel Zeballos and Miguel Ángel Merentiel threatened on the counter-attack, the Xeneize focused primarily on game management and tactical discipline. The 1-0 result marks the first time Boca has won consecutive Superclásicos since early 2025, further shifting the psychological momentum in the domestic head-to-head record.