Bareiro Explains Topo Gigio Celebration in Boca’s Superclásico Win Over River

Adam Bareiro has revealed the inspiration behind his distinctive Topo Gigio celebration following Boca Juniors’ 1-0 victory over River Plate in the Superclásico at Estadio Monumental on April 19, 2026. The Paraguayan forward scored the match’s only goal in first-half stoppage time, converting a penalty awarded after a VAR review for handball.

Speaking to TyC Sports after the match, Bareiro explained that the celebration was a personal tribute. “Me fijé en mi hija cuando nació,” Bareiro said, referring to his newborn daughter. “Ella me hace reír con ese gesto y quise compartirlo en un momento tan importante.”

The goal came deep into first-half stoppage time when Leandro Paredes calmly converted the penalty after referee Nicolás Ramírez reviewed a handball by Lautaro Rivero following a dangerous cross aimed at Miguel Merentiel. Boca captain Paredes described the victory as a step forward for the team’s development.

“We’re proud of this team, which is becoming a group of men and is starting to play fine football,” Paredes said afterwards. “We knew what kind of match it would be – there would be little rhythm. It was important to win today. This is a process and we’re improving step by step.”

Bareiro, who joined Boca Juniors ahead of the 2026 season, has quickly become a fan favorite at La Bombonera. He spoke about his integration into the squad and the influence of senior teammates.

“I came to Boca with great enthusiasm. The way my teammates welcomed me helped a lot. Having leaders like Paredes and Merentiel, who teach you what it means to be Boca, is motivating. I always maintain a low profile and contribute from day one. It’s a highly healthy group that’s getting used to winning and aiming for bigger things,” Bareiro explained in his post-match interview.

The Paraguayan striker also mentioned the influence of club president Juan Román Riquelme in his transfer to Boca. “I always said that Riquelme’s praise creates opportunities. This time he came back for me. It shows he saw something in me during previous transfer windows,” Bareiro added.

Regarding the pre-arranged celebration with teammate Leandro Paredes, Bareiro shared details about their truco-inspired ritual. “Leandro is great at playing truco. He has many tricks. I play truco with Javi García and he plays with Merentiel. It’s challenging, but Javi knows him well and understands his tricks and bluffs. The celebration came about before our match against Instituto and we agreed that if either of us scored, we’d celebrate like this. Now we hope to score another and bring Javi into it. We always play for some incentive: jerseys, yerba mate, or something similar,” Bareiro highlighted.

He added that he joined Paredes’ celebration after seeing his teammate score. “It was a very important goal. I had done it before him in the Copa Argentina. When I saw him do it, I joined in,” Bareiro said.

Bareiro also addressed the controversy surrounding the penalty decision, calling claims of a foul “very far-fetched.” The Boca striker downplayed suggestions that the handball call was questionable, emphasizing the clarity of the VAR review.

The 1-0 victory moved Boca Juniors closer to securing a knockout stage berth in the 2026 Torneo Apertura. With approximately 85,000 spectators in attendance at Estadio Monumental, the match lived up to its billing as one of South America’s fiercest rivalries.

Bareiro’s explanation of the Topo Gigio celebration adds a personal dimension to what was already a memorable moment in the latest chapter of the Boca-River rivalry. The gesture, inspired by his daughter’s laughter, resonated with fans who appreciated the family-oriented tribute amid the high-stakes atmosphere of the Superclásico.

Looking ahead, Boca Juniors will aim to build on this victory as they continue their campaign in the Torneo Apertura. The team’s next fixture presents another opportunity to strengthen their position in the standings as they pursue their season objectives.

For continued coverage of Argentine football and the evolving storylines in the Boca Juniors-River Plate rivalry, stay tuned to Archysport for verified updates and analysis.

Share your thoughts on Bareiro’s celebration and the Superclásico result in the comments below.