Intro:

Seven River Plate players were booked as they held onto a 0-0 draw in a heated first leg of their Copa Sudamericana semi-final against rivals Boca Juniors on Thursday (20 November).

Script:

The first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semi-final between Argentine rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate kicked off in Buenos Aires on Thursday evening.
This 'Superclasico' was the third encounter between the clubs this season and quickly became one of their most spiteful.
In just the fifth minute Leonel Vangioni was booked. Former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago had the best chance of the first-half when he attempted a 30-yard curling hit.
Leonardo Ponzio added to the growing foul count shortly before the interval when he clattered into Gago, sparking a mini-brawl with players from both sides squaring up to each other.
Ponzio was cautioned for his efforts, he was one of seven River players to find their way into the referee's book.
Despite the match including 41 fouls and nine yellow cards, both teams managed to finish with 11 men.
Boca dominated the chances but neither side managed to create anything of real substance and the match ended 0-0.
River Plate will host the second leg, also in Buenos Aires.