River changed its outlook in just a few weeks. Since the arrival of Leonardo Ponzio to the bench, the Millonario achieved three consecutive victories against Banfield, Independiente Rivadavia, and Atlético Tucumán, a streak that allowed them to regain ground and get back into the fight for a spot in the Copa Libertadores 2027.
The nine points earned brought the Núñez team to sixth place in the annual table, with 42 points. Ahead are Rosario Central, with 43, Boca, with 44, and Vélez, which has 45 and currently occupies the last spot that grants a place for the next Libertadores.
The calculation River must make in the annual table
With seven matches left to finish the regular phase of the Clausura, there are 21 points at stake. If we take last season as a reference, when Argentinos Juniors finished third with 57 points, River would need to accumulate approximately 15 points to reach that figure.
This would mean, for example, achieving five victories in the remaining seven matches. Another possible combination would be to secure four wins and three draws, although the final amount needed will also depend on the results of Vélez, Boca, Rosario Central, and the other teams involved.
The qualification system establishes that the top two teams in the annual table qualify directly for the group stage of the Libertadores, while the third team accesses the second preliminary phase. If any of the teams that qualify by being champions also finishes in qualifying positions in the annual table, the spot is passed to the next best-placed team.
