After the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final was postponed twice due to fans attacking the Boca Juniors bus prior to kick-off at the River’s Monumental stadium. There’s been much speculation about where the much anticipated second leg would eventually take place.
South America’s governing body, CONMEBOL has finally found a venue to determine the fiercely contested derby, announcing the game will be played at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu on 9 December.
A statement released by CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominquez detailed: “The administration has elected to hold the Copa Libertadores final return leg, in front of both sets of supporters, in Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday 9th [December].
“Those of us who know the beautiful game know that it is only about winning and losing, not killing or dying.”
The group also detailed that River Plate have received a fine of $400,000 (£313,000) because of the events that took place prior to the scheduled second leg. When the second leg takes place at the Bernabeu takes place both sides will get the same allocation when the two sides meet in Madrid.
The prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, had previously welcomed the idea of hosting the final, tweeting: “Spain is ready to organise the final of the Copa Libertadores between Boca Juniors and River Plate.
“The security forces have extensive experience of these situations and are already working on the necessary deployments to ensure the event is secure.”
The tie is delicately poised after the first leg in Boca finished in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
