Soccer-Majestic Gallardo free kick gives River draw with Boca

By Brian Homewood

BUENOS AIRES, April 19 (Reuters) - Marcelo Gallardo converted a majestic 25-yard free kick to earn River Plate a 1-1 draw at Boca Juniors in the biggest fixture of the Argentine season on Sunday.

Boca, missing playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme through injury, dominated the first hour as they attempted to complete a double over their bitter rivals following their 1-0 win in October.

After the traditional ticker-tape reception, a scrappy first half at the Bombonera produced only a few chances.

Boca midfielder Sebastian Battaglia went close with a deflected shot and Rodrigo Palacios had a goalbound header stopped by goalkeeper Daniel Vega following an explosive break out of defence by Osvaldo Gaitan.

The second half was delayed as toilet rolls and other objects were cleared off the field, Vega popping balloons in his penalty area before Boca ground staff eventually stepped in to help.

Defending champions Boca went ahead in the 59th minute with a 25-metre shot from 35-year-old forward Martin Palermo, their record goalscorer.

River substituted lethargic striker Cristian Fabbiani and, although the player known as The Ogre was clearly furious at the decision, the change brought new life to the team.

In the 69th minute, Diego Buonanotte was tripped by Battaglia and the 33-year-old former Argentina, Monaco, Paris St Germain and D.C. United forward Gallardo curled his free kick into the top left-hand corner.