Boca-River Superclásico takes centre stage in Argentine league run-in

Argentine football is entering a decisive phase, with Boca Juniors, Rosario Central and Argentinos Juniors stepping up their battle for the annual title, while Sunday's Superclásico headlines the penultimate round of the Clausura, with several teams still fighting to reach the last 16.

With two rounds remaining in both the Clausura and the annual table – which combines points from the Clausura and the earlier Apertura tournament – Boca and Argentinos have 57 points, Central have 56 and Vélez Sarsfield have 55. Goal difference is the first tie-breaker if teams finish level on points.

Since 2025, the winner of the annual table has also been awarded a championship title. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) introduced the award amid considerable controversy, having named Rosario Central as champions after the tournament was already under way.

The three highest-placed teams in the annual table that have not qualified by another route will secure places in the 2027 Copa Libertadores. The top two will enter the group stage, while the third will start in the second qualifying round. They will join the winners of the Apertura, Clausura and Copa Argentina.

Apertura winners Belgrano de Córdoba are currently the only Argentine side to have secured a place in next year's Libertadores group stage.

Boca face their toughest test in the 15th round of the Clausura: the Superclásico against River Plate. They host their arch-rivals at a packed La Bombonera on Sunday at 3pm, hoping to inch closer to the title and celebrate in front of their fiercest rivals.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena's side beat Independiente 1-0 in Avellaneda last time out, thanks to a last-gasp header from young forward Facundo Herrera, and have already secured their place in the Clausura last 16.

Arruabarrena said his players had "stood up to be counted" during a hectic final stretch of the season, but warned: "We haven't won anything."

Boca have also reached the Copa Argentina semi-finals and will face Atlético Mineiro in the Copa Sudamericana final in Barranquilla on 21 November.

For River, the Superclásico is crucial.  With 52 points in the annual table, they need to keep adding to their tally to improve their chances of reaching the Libertadores, or at least secure qualification for the 2027 Copa Sudamericana.

They are also looking to guarantee their place in the Clausura last 16.

Leonardo Ponzio's side are fourth in Group B on 23 points, and a win at Boca would secure their qualification.

A draw, however, would leave River dependent on other results in the round.

Four-way title race

Rosario Central visit Sarmiento in Junín on Friday in the opening match of the round. A win would take them top of the annual table, at least until their direct rivals play.

Jorge Almirón's side have World Cup winner Ángel Di María as their talisman. He scored one of the goals in their recent 2-0 victory over Huracán, which secured their place in the Clausura last 16.

"The team doesn't let up. Whoever plays, things keep going well," said Di María, known as El Fideo (The Noodle).

Argentinos, who have also reached the last 16 and are chasing their first title since the 2010 Clausura, will know how their rivals have fared before taking to the pitch. They visit Atlético Tucumán on Monday.

Nicolás Diez's side have long played attractive, cohesive football but have yet to turn that form into silverware. They will look to keep their title hopes alive before hosting Huracán on the final matchday.

"We're going for everything and will try to stay in the fight until the very end," said the Argentinos coach.

Vélez have not given up either. They host San Lorenzo on Saturday after thrashing Central Córdoba 5-0, with Paraguayan international Ronaldo Martínez scoring a hat-trick that included a spectacular overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area.

Continental places and relegation battle

The six highest-placed teams in the annual table that do not qualify for the Libertadores will earn places in the 2027 Copa Sudamericana.

Instituto and Independiente Rivadavia, both on 53 points, are also in contention alongside River. The number of places available could increase depending on the winners of the tournaments still to be decided.

Instituto also top Group A of the Clausura with 32 points and will look to secure first place when they visit Estudiantes de La Plata on Saturday. Estudiantes, meanwhile, have their sights set on the Libertadores final against Palmeiras in Montevideo on 28 November.

Finishing top of a group brings the advantage of playing at home in the knockout rounds.

At the other end of the annual table, Aldosivi face a crucial away match against a struggling Racing on Friday. The Tiburón (Shark), on 19 points, are four behind Deportivo Riestra and will be relegated if they lose. Estudiantes de Río Cuarto have already been relegated to the second division.