Although we start out this series with a Superclásico Libertadores style, it was one of the most emotional goals scored in this rivalry for what it meant for the player. Martín Palermo was out for well over nine months after sustaining a a torn ACL.

Boca Juniors was against the wall going into the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores in 2000 after having lost the away leg 2-1 at El Monumental. In usual fashion, the Superclásico was tightly played and there was little room to play. Marcelo Delgado opened the scoring in the 59th minute. This would set the stage for Palermo. He came in for Alfredo Moreno and changed the game somewhat. Juan Román Riquelme made it 2-0 off a penalty kick but the goal of the match came off the foot of the legendary Boca forward.

As time ran out, Riquelme gave the ball to Battaglia who passed the ball into the box to Palermo. Once he receives the ball he has the time to turn towards goal, set himself up, and hit the go to the left post beating Roberto Bonano and putting the final nail in the River Plate coffin as they qualified by beating River on a 4-2 aggregate.

Boca would then play Club América in the semifinals and Walter Samuel would put the Xeneize in the semis with a header at the Estadio Azteca. They would face two-time defending champs Palmeiras and take them all the way to penalty kicks. This is where Colombian international goalkeeper Oscar Córdoba would begin to leave his legacy with the Xeneize. B

But the goal that is remembered by all is the one by Palermo scored. That goal meant that more than beating River, meant more than advancing in the biggest club competition in the western hemisphere. That goal symbolized the grit and determination that Martín Palermo had as a person. He would have other serious injuries, but would come back with his usual Hollywood pomp where he became a star, an idol, a Titan, a saint, and a legend.

But just like The Godfather, the first one was probably the best.