Copa Sudamericana - Big Two Dumped

The Big Two of Argentine football were knocked out of the Copa Sudamericana last night, as River Plate drew 2-2 with Brazil's Atletico Paranaense, losing 3-2 on aggregate. The defending Cupo Sudamericana Champions, Boca Juniors were also dumped from the tournament, losing 3-1 on penalty kicks.

Boca won their match last night against Uruguay's Nacional, 2-1 which is the same scoreline the two clubs had in the first match of their series, with Nacional winning their home match. With the aggregate tied at 3-3, the two clubs went to penalty kicks, with Boca only hitting one of their kicks. Nacional moves on to play Atletico Paranaense in the Quarter Finals.

River started a different line-up than the one that defeated Boca Juniors on Sunday in the Super Classico, using a mix of starters and reserve players. After winning 1-0 in the first match at River Plate’s Monumental de Nunez stadium, Atletico Paranaense needed only a draw to advance. Atletico Paranaense are the only remaining Brazilian side left in the Copa Sudamericana.

So the big two of Argentine football are out, and CONCACAF, or more accurately, Mexico, have two clubs in the Quarter Finals. Very interesting.