This Wednesday, a unique football event will take place in Paraguay: an official title match between two Argentine teams. River Plate and Talleres de Córdoba will face off at Cerro Porteño’s stadium, La Nueva Olla, for the International Super Cup. The match is scheduled for 20:00 local time. But why was this trophy created? Does it count as an official title? And why is it being played on international soil?
What is the International Super Cup?
The International Super Cup was established in late 2022 to pit the winner of the end-of-year Champions Trophy against the best team from the annual standings. The first edition took place in early 2023, featuring Racing Club (who won both the Champions Trophy and topped the annual table) against Boca Juniors (the second-best team in the annual table, having also won the League Cup and the Professional League). Racing, managed by Fernando Gago, won 2-1 against Boca, coached by Hugo Ibarra, in a historic final held in the United Arab Emirates. The decision to host the final abroad was part of an effort to promote Argentine football internationally.
Why are River and Talleres playing in 2025?
Originally, River and Talleres were supposed to play in 2024, but scheduling conflicts delayed the match to 2025. River Plate secured their place by winning the 2023 Champions Trophy and leading the annual standings. Talleres, having finished second in the annual table, earned the right to compete in this decisive final.
Additionally, another International Super Cup match will take place in 2025 between Estudiantes (Champions Trophy winners of 2023) and Vélez Sarsfield (best team in the 2024 annual table). This match will serve as a rematch, as Estudiantes had already defeated Vélez in both the League Cup final and the Champions Trophy final in 2024.
Why is the final being held in Paraguay?
To continue promoting the International Super Cup and uphold its “international” concept, Paraguay was selected as the host country. Unlike the 2023 edition, which was held in the Middle East, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) opted for a closer yet still foreign venue. La Nueva Olla, the home stadium of Cerro Porteño in Asunción, was chosen for this historic event. The stadium recently hosted the Copa Sudamericana final, where Racing Club defeated Cruzeiro.
Does the International Super Cup count as an official title?
Yes, the winner will add an official title to their record. The International Super Cup is considered a domestic trophy, recognized by the AFA. Currently, River Plate boasts an impressive collection of 72 titles (54 domestic and 18 international), while Talleres has one official trophy (the 1999 Conmebol Cup).
With two top Argentine clubs facing off in an international setting, this edition of the International Super Cup promises to be a thrilling encounter for South American football fans.