Paredes penalty seals Superclásico win for Boca Juniors; River Plate protests denied late appeal
Boca Juniors snatched a dramatic 1-0 Superclásico victory over rivals River Plate on April 19, 2026, ending River's nine-match unbeaten run. Captain Leandro Paredes converted a controversial first-half penalty, awarded after a VAR review for handball, to secure the win at the Monumental stadium. River Plate's furious appeals for a late penalty were dismissed by referee Darío Herrera, igniting post-match debate. Boca Juniors coach Claudio Úbeda confirmed Paredes' substitution was precautionary due to hamstring tightness, not a significant injury.
"For me the last one was not criminal, if that is penal, there are thousands per game, with all sincerity," Leandro Paredes told 'Davo Xeneize'.
"I told you River Plate was being screwed over by VAR, it's all on record. Héctor Paletta is a Boca fan," stated journalist Hernán Castillo regarding the VAR official.
River Plate fans and some media outlets expressed outrage over the denied late penalty, questioning refereeing decisions and VAR. Boca Juniors celebrated a vital derby victory, with players and coach praising Paredes' leadership and performance despite his substitution.
Boca Juniors faces Defensa y Justicia on April 23, 2026, looking to build on their derby momentum.
The debate over the Superclásico refereeing decisions and VAR's role is expected to continue.