EINTRACHT Frankfurt striker Rafael Santos Borre has admitted he will draw on his experiences of playing for River Plate in the famous Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors in the Europa League decider against Rangers tomorrow night.
Colombian forward Borre helped the Argentinian giants to defeat their fierce Buenos Aires rivals 5-3 on aggregate in the two-legged final of the premier South American club football tournament back in 2018.
It was the first time a Superclasico had decided an international competition and the second leg had to be moved to the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid after an attack on the Boca bus led to concerns for the safety of the players.
The double header was dubbed “the final to end all finals” and the 16-times capped 26-year-old believes being involved will stand him in good stead for the meeting with the Ibrox club in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville.
“The final then was different,” said Borre. “It was a derby, River Plate against Boca Juniors, teams from the same country, the same city. That was unique and it was clear that the winner would be remembered forever.
“The special thing about this final now is the two fan groups and their enthusiasm for their teams. Because of that it will be a beautiful final. If I had to choose, it’s difficult, but I would go for the Libertadores final, just as the second leg was played at the legendary Bernabeu.”
He continued: “Of course, I have talked to my team mates about it. I explained them a little bit, how it feels, how you play these kind of games and what you need for it. It’s just special.
“It doesn’t matter what your opponents’ analysis says, it’s another game. Things will occur, that you won’t be prepared for. Talent and concentration will make the difference.
“I’m at different point in my career compared to then. I’ve got expectations, but I am calm. The team is in good shape, I am too. We’ve got the quality for this game.”
