It's the first time that Argentina's two biggest teams will meet in the final of the Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the Champions League.

"Of course I'm nervous because I'm a huge fan of River, but I'm more worried about him because the dishes will fly in this house (if Boca loses) and I can't take his bad mood."

Unconfirmed reports said Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive before a planned G20 meeting in Buenos Aires just so he can watch the final that Argentine media have called "The Game of the Century."

Argentina's most successful teams originated in the docks of the southern working-class Buenos Aires neighborhood of La Boca and their rivalry dates back to the early 20th century.

Boca was founded by a group of Italian immigrants who chose the blue and yellow club colors after the flag of a Swedish ship that arrived in port.

The derby's gritty play, with its passionate fans and colorful celebrations, was once ranked by British newspaper The Observer in its top spot of the 50 sporting things you must do before you die.