The Millionaire won three consecutive matches and reached 42 points in the annual table. They are three points behind Vélez and still have 21 points to play for
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.
This situation can expand the Millonario's possibilities. Belgrano has already secured its place by winning the Apertura, while the champions of the Clausura and the Copa Argentina are still to be determined, two titles that also grant direct tickets to the group stage.
The Superclásico appears as a key date
The calendar also presents an important opportunity for River as they will face Boca directly. The Superclásico will be played on Sunday, November 1, at La Bombonera, for matchday 15, and could significantly alter the difference between the two in the annual table.
Before that match, Ponzio's team will have to compete against Huracán, Sarmiento, Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, Belgrano, and Racing. The regular phase will conclude against Aldosivi, as visitors.
The recovery also had consequences in the Clausura itself. With three consecutive victories, River reached 13 points in Zone B and managed to enter among the top eight, the positions that allow advancement to the playoffs.
Winning the Clausura, the other route to the Libertadores
The annual table is not the only possibility for River. If they become champions of the Torneo Clausura, they will automatically secure a spot in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores 2027, regardless of their position in the overall standings.
The Millonario is five points behind Argentinos Juniors, the leader of their zone, but their immediate goal will be to stay among the eight teams that will advance to the knockout stage. There, a potential championship would allow them to ensure their return to the main continental tournament directly.
