Real Madrid's Bernabeu to host Copa Libertadores final
The biggest match in Argentina will be played over 6,000 miles away from its original destination with confirmation the Copa Libertadores final second leg will be contested at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu.
The encounter will be played Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m. EST.
The highly anticipated second leg between Argentine rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate was initially supposed to be staged in Buenos Aires last Saturday after the two sides drew 2-2 in the opening match.
The match ultimately was postponed after River Plate fans attacked Boca's bus as it arrived at River’s Monumental stadium. Boca's bus was pelted with projectiles, and players were rendered incapable of playing due to the effects of the tear gas and pepper spray used by police attempting to control the crowd.
Despite the violence, both sets of supporters will be permitted to attend the match in Spain's capital. Traveling fans were initially banned from attending away matches during the final.
The South American football governing body also announced Thursday that River Plate will play their next two CONMEBOL level matches behind closed doors starting in 2019. The club was also fined $400,000.
CONMEBOL added that Boca Juniors' request to have the second leg called off was dismissed.