BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Copa Libertadores final between Boca Juniors and River Plate will be a "historic moment" for South American football, the head of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said on Friday.
Speaking on the eve of the first leg at Boca's Bombonera Stadium, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez hailed the global impact of the two-legged decider.
"There has never been a [Libertadores] final between Boca and River and it will be a historic opportunity," Dominguez said. "This match between two great teams has attracted interest all over the world."
Dominguez paid tribute to the famous Buenos Aires rivals for "giving us the opportunity to take South American football to a world level."
Boca President Daniel Angelici and his River counterpart Rodolfo D'Onofrio also took questions from journalists during a crowded press conference in the Argentine capital.
"Boca fans are proud to have reached this final, it must be enjoyed in peace," Angelici said.
Onofrio added: "[Football] is a game that Argentina and several other countries in South America are very passionate about. We are seeing now the tremendous passion we feel for this game."
The decisive second leg of the final will be played on November 24 at River's Monumental.
Boca are aiming for their seventh Copa Libertadores title while River are hoping to be champions for a fourth time.
The winners will earn the right to contest next month's FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
