Liga Profesional, in Argentina the penultimate day of the championship is spread over four days: news and predictions.
The Liga Profesional, Argentina’s top football tournament, is in its final days. River Plate were crowned champions with three days to spare, getting their hands on their 38th title with a decisive 3-1 victory over Estudiantes, sending the men coached by former Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis into raptures.
Now all that remains is to find out who will qualify for the next international competitions: the Tabla anual will be taken into account, i.e. the points scored by each team in both this tournament and the subsequent Copa de la Liga Professional, which will also determine relegation once the league proper is over. Day number 26, the penultimate of this Liga Profesional 2023, opens with the match between San Lorenzo and Argentinos Juniors. The Cuervos are no longer in contention for the title but remain third in the standings and have not lost a match since May, with a positive streak that has lasted 11 games. That streak should continue against Argentinos Juniors, who are struggling away from home and, above all, score in droves. Atletico Tucuman, who have won three of their last four matches, in which they have not conceded a single goal, are also going through a positive moment: they should avoid defeat against the inconstant Independiente, who have even fewer points in the standings (31 against 28).
Talleres are aiming to consolidate their second place behind champions River: the Cordoba-based club are on the back of five good results, including a Copa Argentina victory over the Millonarios, and should have no trouble getting the better of Gimnasia y Esgrima.
Liga Profesional: Boca Juniors, no false steps
Racing Club extended their unbeaten record to nine matches, redeeming a less than brilliant start. The Academia, led by Fernando Gago, is in fact 14th in the standings. And the regrets are not few if we think of where it could have been if it had had this consistency even in the first part of the championship.
Villa del Boca Juniors
Imagine another positive result in the match against Central Cordoba, who, however, have always scored at least one goal in three of their last five matches played away from home: there is a good chance they will do it again in Avellaneda. Finally, Boca Juniors cannot afford any missteps, as they must win against Newell’s Old Boys to consolidate their eighth place and continue their pursuit of a place in the next international cups. Despite the heavy absence of Varela in midfield, the Xeneizes should be able to defeat the Rossoneri, even with the support of the crowd at the mythical Bombonera in Buenos Aires. River Plate, on the other hand, have nothing left to say after their great title celebration: they could concede at least one goal in the away match against the more motivated Rosario Central. There is also a two-goal match between Colon and Tigre. The latter are preparing to say goodbye to striker Retegui, who is now on final terms with Genoa.
Possible winners
- San Lorenzo or draw (in San Lorenzo-Argentinos Juniors, Saturday 22 at 20:30)
- Atletico Tucuman or draw (in Atl. Tucuman-Independiente, Sunday 23rd at 21:30)
- Talleres (in Talleres-Gimnasia y Esgrima, Monday 24 at 21:30)
- Racing Club (in Racing Club-Central Cordoba, Tuesday 25 at 00:30)
- Boca Juniors or draw (in Boca Juniors-Newell’s Old Boys, Tuesday 25 at 01:45)