Carlos Izquierdoz felt the excitement of the clash with River at the Monumental: "What could be better than going and winning?"

Right Side

• Rosario Central (1°B) - Gimnasia de Mendoza (8°A)

• Defensa y Justicia (4°A) - Barracas Central (5°B)

• Gimnasia de La Plata (3°B) - Newell's (6°A)

• Boca (2°A) - Independiente Rivadavia (7°B)

*the days and times of the matches have not yet been confirmed

Recently, the clashes between River and Lanús often provide interesting matches, and ahead of a new decisive encounter, Carlos Izquierdoz made it clear that he is not afraid of the challenge of playing in Núñez. The experienced defender, who knows well what it means to visit the Monumental due to his past with Boca, is looking forward to the round of 16 of the Clausura Tournament 2026 and is excited about the possibility of pulling off an upset as a visitor.

After the 1-1 draw against Central Córdoba in Santiago del Estero, the captain of Granate was asked about the upcoming match and did not hesitate to refer to the scenario he will face. "It's nice to go play at the Monumental", he initially expressed. However, the 38-year-old defender went further and left a challenging statement ahead of the match: "It’s going to be packed with their fans. What a beautiful challenge it is to go and win?".

Izquierdoz's past with the Xeneize inevitably comes up when discussing his encounters against the Millonario. During his time at Boca, the defender featured in several classics and eliminations against the Núñez team, although he assured that that phase is now behind him. "What I experienced in the past is over", he emphasized. Instead, he highlighted the positive records he achieved with the southern team: "With Lanús, we have had great matches on that field, with historic qualifications. Hopefully, we can do it again and advance to the next round".

On the other hand, the captain of the team coached by Mauricio Pellegrino was also asked about Nicolás Otamendi, with whom he shares a generation. "He is a legend of Argentine football, I don’t compare myself to such a beast", he stated. He added: "Yes, we have our years, we are both from the same class of '88. I have great admiration and respect for him, but we will try to impose ourselves in the game".

After drawing against Ferroviario, Lanús finished fifth in Zone A of the Clausura, and will have to visit River in the round of 16. The match still does not have a confirmed date, although it is scheduled for Saturday, November 21 or Sunday, November 22, once the break for the last FIFA date of the year is over.

How the playoffs bracket of the Clausura Tournament 2026 looks

Left Side

• Instituto (1°A) - Huracán (8°B)

• River (4°B) - Lanús (5°A)