The Clausura Tournament is nearing its conclusion, and the ninth round began with a draw between Vélez and Newell’s in Rosario, preventing Vélez from reaching the top spot in the Annual Table. Several matches are expected this weekend that will affect the standings in the championship.
The Friday matchday kicked off with Defensa y Justicia’s 2-0 victory over Gimnasia de Mendoza, a crucial match for qualification to continental tournaments. Next, Boca Juniors will face Central Córdoba at the Bombonera, seeking three points to get closer to the Copa Libertadores qualifying spots, while Central Córdoba needs to move away from the relegation zone.
On Saturday, there will be four matches starting at 14:45 with Estudiantes against Platense and Independiente Rivadavia against Aldosivi. Then, at 17:30, River Plate will face Atlético Tucumán as visitors, concluding the day at 20:00 with the match between Talleres and Unión in Córdoba.
On Sunday, five matches will be played, starting with Sarmiento-Belgrano and Tigre-Rosario Central, both at 14:45. At 17:00, Gimnasia La Plata will visit Argentinos Juniors. At 19:15, the classic match between Independiente and San Lorenzo will be held in Avellaneda, marking the debut of Ruben Darío Insua as San Lorenzo’s coach. Finally, Huracán will host Racing at 21:30.
The round will conclude on Monday with three matches: Banfield will look to maintain its positive streak against Barracas Central, and Deportivo Riestra will face Lanús, both at 19:00. At 21:15, Instituto will clash with Estudiantes de Río Cuarto in Alta Córdoba.
According to the current qualification format, the champions of the Apertura Tournament (Belgrano) and Clausura, as well as the champion of the Copa Argentina and the top three in the Annual Table, will qualify for the Copa Libertadores 2027. Argentinos Juniors, Independiente Rivadavia, and Vélez occupy those positions until the end of the ninth round. Meanwhile, the Copa Sudamericana will provide spots for the teams ranked fourth to ninth, which are currently Boca, Gimnasia La Plata, Rosario Central, River, Estudiantes de La Plata, and Independiente.
In the relegation zone, Estudiantes de Río Cuarto and Aldosivi continue to face serious challenges to avoid falling to the lower divisions.
Source: www.infobae.com
