Matchday 8 of the Clausura Tournament has begun, featuring crucial matches that affect both relegations and qualifications for international cups.
Estudiantes de Río Cuarto faced a tough battle in Córdoba, where they lost 2-0 to Sarmiento de Junín, complicating their situation in the Primera División. In other matches, Belgrano and Huracán drew 1-1, while Platense also ended in a 1-1 draw with Deportivo Riestra. The positions in the table are changing, drawing attention from both the involved teams and their direct competitors.
Belgrano de Córdoba has secured a place in the Libertadores 2027, where they will compete alongside the Clausura champion, the Copa Argentina champion, and the top three in the Annual Table, which currently includes Independiente Rivadavia, Argentinos Juniors, and Vélez. The teams finishing between fourth and ninth place in the overall standings in 2026, including Boca, Rosario Central, Estudiantes de La Plata, Gimnasia La Plata, Instituto de Córdoba, and River Plate, will participate in the Copa Sudamericana, with River Plate taking the spot that rightfully belongs to Belgrano for their Libertadores qualification as champions.
Saturday’s agenda includes five matches, starting at 13:30 with Aldosivi-Banfield, where Aldosivi seeks its first victory in the Clausura. Additionally, Gimnasia de La Plata will host Tigre aiming to maintain qualifying positions. Boca Juniors, who are just one point behind Vélez, will play at 16:30 against Gimnasia de Mendoza, while San Lorenzo, contemplating the return of Ruben Darío Insua after Néstor Gorosito’s departure, will face Talleres at 19:00. The day will conclude with the match between Vélez and Estudiantes de La Plata.
Sunday will focus on the Rosario classic, with Rosario Central facing Newell’s at 14:45. At 17:00, Central Córdoba will play against Independiente and Lanús will take on Defensa y Justicia. River Plate will have their match at 19:15 against Independiente Rivadavia, following a recent victory against Banfield, while Racing will measure up against Atlético Tucumán. The matchday will culminate on Monday with two encounters: Barracas Central against Argentinos Juniors at 19:00 and Unión against Instituto at 21:15.
The teams in the lower part of the Annual Table, such as Estudiantes de Río Cuarto and Aldosivi, find themselves in a precarious situation. Deportivo Riestra, Central Córdoba from Santiago del Estero, Atlético Tucumán, Platense, Banfield, and Newell’s are also in this critical zone, seeking to accumulate points to improve their position.
Source: www.infobae.com
