Boca Juniors’ 3‑0 victory over Unión de Santa Fe handed River Plate a massive headache as the club eyes a 2027 Copa Libertadores berth. The widening points gap now steers Leonardo Ponzio’s side toward a sole Sudamericana slot.
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With only five games left in the Clausura championship phase, River must win every remaining match and advance as far as possible in the knockout stage to keep alive a dream of reaching South America’s premier club tournament.
The Xeneize win deepened River’s hurdle on the road to the 2027 Libertadores.
That’s because Boca reached the 50‑point mark while River sits eighth with 42 points. Even if the postponed clash with Sarmiento is won, the gap remains daunting, leaving the Libertadores slot likely to go to Vélez, who sit on 48 points despite one game fewer.
Remember, the financial gap between the Libertadores and Sudamericana is huge. After splurging over $40 million on new signings, River faces a painful reality: it may have to settle for the secondary competition despite its strong squad.
On the other hand, River’s second route to the Libertadores is winning the Clausura. Fans doubt that path, given the team’s shaky play and the demoralising loss to Huracán at the Monumental.
Another factor is Leonardo Ponzio’s confirmation as permanent head coach after a stint as interim imposed by the AFA. Rules allow only two matches with an interim before a permanent appointment is required, signaling a turbulent 2026 season for the club.
Why isn’t River playing this weekend?
Unlike other top‑division sides, River won’t face Sarmiento of Junín because the AFA halted the fixture after numerous players received national‑team call‑ups and three injuries struck the squad: Thiago Almada, Tobías Andrada and Aníbal Moreno. The opponent also battles for a Clausura quarter‑final spot.
River opted for a friendly against Federal A side Atlético Escobar, cruising to a 5‑0 win. The first half ended 1‑0; the second half erupted with a flood of goals that sealed the rout.