Players were reportedly left vomiting in the changing room and in need of hospital treatment after windows were smashed and tear gas was used.
Boca stars were met with wild scenes as they approached River's Monumental Stadium ahead of the second leg of their Copa Libertadores final.
The continental showdown is potentially the biggest-ever game contested between two of football's fiercest local rivals – with the first tie finishing 2-2 at the Bombonera two weeks ago.
The world caught a glimpse of the incredible passion stirred by the two Buenos Aires giants when 49,000 fans watched a Boca TRAINING session this week.
But passion turned onto violence as various missiles were launched at the coach as police struggled to control thousands of River supporters gathered outside.
Shocking footage showed at least three windows smashed with terrified players on board then attacked with pepper spray.
Players were forced to cover their mouths as they climbed off the bus after the petrifying attack.
Former Manchester United star Carlos Tevez was bent over and clearly in pain as he arrived at the ground.
While there were reports Boca team-mate Pablo Perez required urgent medical attention after shards of glass went in his eye.
A picture later emerged of the midfielder with a clearly bloodied eye after receiving treatment.
Youth player Gonzalo Lamardo – who was set to be on the bench for the game – also suffered eye injuries.
Reports in local media claimed the pair were later transferred to hospital for further treatment.
Images from inside the visitors' changing room showed a number of players being helped by doctors, appearing in no fit state to play the game.
Boca club secretary told media sources: "The players are all injured, they cannot play."
Yet South American football's governing body CONMEBOL insisted the match would still take place with only an hour delay due to TV commitments.
A tweet read: "Due to the events of the Boca Juniors Club bus, the party has been postponed until 18:00 hours."
There were even reports that Fifa chief Gianni Infantino told Boca chiefs they would be DISQUALIFIED if they refused to take the field.
In 2015, the only previous Libertadores fixture between the pair was suspended and after Boca fans attacked River players with pepper spray at the Bombonera. River were ultimately awarded the time.
The first leg earlier this month WAS pushed back a day after severe thunderstorms made the pitch unplayable.
Argentinian football legend Gabriel Batistuta tweeted: "Another opportunity lost with the whole world watching us. Shameful, lamentable."
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