"I never lost against River. I played my first superderby in the sixth division in Ezeiza and I won 3-0; later I won two games with the substitute team, one in the Bombonera and the other one in the Monumental". This is how Banega, with his 18 years , remembers the three encounters he played against River. "I hope the streak will continue” he dreams, only days away from his first division superderby debut. His dreams are coming true at an astonishing pace. He recalls that not long ago “I was watching these games and its players on TV” and now it’s his turn to enter the field as one of the protagonists: “I know this is a unique match. All players always say that they would like to be part of this encounter. That’s why it has to be enjoyed”. In an interview with the sportnewspaper Olé he remembers the special atmosphere the full Bombonera conjures up as it is waiting for Argentine soccer’s most important match to begin. “While the game between the substitute teams is under way the stadium is filling up and things start to warm up. This frame makes you feel even more like playing because people get up from their seats and start to chant. I imagine that on Sunday it will be especially nice”. When he starts to think about the evolution of the prospective game and its end result, Banega displays the confidence he has in his own game and that of the team: “We always have the obligation to win. We have to win. We’re playing on home ground, so we must win”. "Right now we are fighting for the Cup and the local tournament. But Boca is used to winning, so that’s how we must continue in both competitions”. Talent and a winner’s frame of mind. A player destined for great things. - |