Club Atlético River Plate is entering the decisive final stretch of the Argentine Liga Profesional with the clear objective of qualifying for the 2027 Copa Libertadores. The Núñez-based squad has eight matches left to try and climb the annual table, where it currently sits seventh with 39 points. The leader is Argentinos Juniors with 46 points, followed by Mendoza's Newell's Old Boys with 45. Vélez Sarsfield, with 44, holds the last Libertadores spot, leaving River five points behind.
The Millonario's last result was a 3-1 win over Independiente Rivadavia on September 6, extending their positive run to three consecutive victories. The team has 10 points in the 2026 season, from 3 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, placing them tenth in the league standings. Their next challenge is against fourth-placed Atlético Tucumán on September 12 at 17:30.
How can River Plate reach the Copa Libertadores?
To return to the top continental competition, River Plate must finish among the top three in the annual table or win the Torneo Clausura. With eight matches remaining, their maximum possible points tally is 63. Manager Leonardo Ponzio stressed the importance of this run. "River juega su propio Mundial," the coach stated. Recent history shows the club has not played in the Libertadores since 2015, after winning the 2014 Torneo Final, marking a 16-year drought if counted from their last participation in 2009.
The task is not easy, but the schedule offers an opportunity. The remaining opponents are Atlético Tucumán, Huracán, Sarmiento, Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, Belgrano, Racing, Boca Juniors, and Aldosivi. All fixture details are on our fixtures page. The team will look to maintain its three-game winning streak and recent form of 3W-2D-0L in the last five matches to close the seven-point gap to leaders Argentinos Juniors.
What is the team's current context in the league?
Beyond the annual table, the 2026 season performance shows a River Plate that has scored 10 goals and conceded 9, keeping a positive goal difference of +1. Improvement under Ponzio's command is evident after an early exit from the Copa Sudamericana. The squad, which you can review on our squad page, has the mission of reclaiming a place among South America's elite.
The path mirrors that of 2024, when the club finished third in the annual table with 70 points, behind Vélez (76) and Talleres (72). To repeat or surpass that feat, every match is a final. The trip to Tucumán this weekend is the first step in a series of fixtures that include decisive derbies. The evolution of the standings will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
What immediate challenges does River Plate face?
The first hurdle is an Atlético Tucumán side that is a direct rival in the upper part of the table. Then, the calendar intensifies with weekly matches. On September 19 at 19:00 they will host Huracán, followed by visits to Sarmiento (October 4) and Estudiantes de Río Cuarto (October 11). The series will continue against Belgrano (October 18), Racing (October 25), the superclásico against Boca Juniors (November 1), and the finale against Aldosivi (November 8).
With five world champions in its history, River Plate aims to write a new glorious chapter. Concentration must be total from the first whistle in Tucumán. The team travels for Saturday's match with the obligation to take three points to keep the Libertadores dream alive.
