Club Atlético River Plate sits tenth in the annual table of Argentina's Liga Profesional, according to a report published by Ole on Friday. With 36 points from 23 matches and a goal difference of +9, the team from Núñez is four points off ninth place, which currently grants a spot in the Copa Sudamericana.
The annual table, which aggregates points from the Apertura and Clausura tournaments, determines qualification for next year's international cups. The top three teams qualify directly for the 2027 Copa Libertadores, while those placed fourth through ninth enter the 2027 Copa Sudamericana. Belgrano has already secured its Libertadores spot by winning the 2026 Apertura.
How does the fight for the spots look?
Independiente Rivadavia and Argentinos Juniors lead the annual table with 45 points each, followed by Vélez Sarsfield with 41. Boca Juniors is fourth with 40 points, Rosario Central fifth with 39, and Estudiantes and Gimnasia de La Plata share 38 points, though Estudiantes has a superior goal difference. Instituto occupies ninth place with 37 points, just ahead of River Plate.
The team's current context is mixed. In the 2026 Liga Profesional Argentina standings, River Plate is 11th with 7 points from 7 games, having scored 7 goals and conceded 8. However, their recent form across all competitions is more encouraging: three wins and two draws in their last five matches, including a comeback win against Banfield (2-3) on August 30. They are nine points behind the leader, Argentinos Juniors.
What other paths are there to the Libertadores?
Besides the annual table, the 2026 Copa Argentina offers another direct ticket to the 2027 Copa Libertadores. There is also the possibility that an Argentine team wins the 2026 Copa Libertadores or the 2026 Copa Sudamericana, which could free up an additional spot depending on their annual table position. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) reserves the right to modify regulations during the competition, something that has happened before.
The 2026 Clausura is still ongoing and will also determine teams for the title playoffs, though its main influence on international qualification is already reflected in the annual table. The fight to not lose ground is key at this stage of the year.
What is the immediate next challenge?
River Plate has a direct opportunity to improve its position this weekend. Their next league match is on Saturday, September 6, against Independiente Rivadavia at the Monumental. It's a high-voltage clash, as the visitor is the leader of the annual table. A win would provide a massive boost for the team's aspirations.
You can check the team's full schedule on our fixtures page and follow the table's evolution in standings. The squad, with its latest additions, is detailed in the squad section. The match against Rivadavia is the first in a series of defining commitments before the close of the football year.
