Overview
- River must beat Vélez to secure a Clausura playoff berth and keep alive any route to the 2026 Copa Libertadores, with an Argentinos Juniors slip needed for the preliminary berth scenario.
- Enzo Pérez returns to the starting XI after a left‑knee injury sustained on September 24 against Palmeiras, set for his first minutes in 53 days.
- Gallardo’s options are limited by Kevin Castaño on international duty, suspensions for Lucas Martínez Quarta and Marcos Acuña, and injuries to Maximiliano Meza and Gonzalo Montiel, alongside the non-selection of Miguel Borja and Paulo Díaz.
- Aldosivi defeated San Martín (SJ) 4–2 to stay up, while San Martín (SJ) and Godoy Cruz were relegated; Godoy Cruz’s 17-year top-flight run ended and Riestra secured a 2026 Copa Sudamericana spot.
- Playoff permutations include Talleres needing only a draw at Instituto after San Martín’s drop, and a Boca–River round-of-16 meeting remains possible depending on final zone placements.