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River Plate’s Libertadores Hopes Narrow After 0-0 at Vélez

Sitting fourth in the annual table, River now needs the Clausura crown or a reallocated berth triggered by a champion already above them.

Overview

  • River finished fourth in the annual standings after a scoreless draw at Vélez, a position that currently places the club in the Copa Sudamericana zone.
  • Two routes remain for 2026 Copa Libertadores entry: win the Torneo Clausura for a direct group-stage spot or gain a repechaje place if Rosario Central, Boca Juniors, or Argentinos Juniors win the Clausura.
  • River qualified for the Clausura playoffs as sixth in Zone B and is set to play a quarterfinal against Zone A’s third-placed team.
  • Coverage describes an extended run without victories and an irregular season that has heightened pressure on Marcelo Gallardo’s side.
  • One report noted a tie-break risk in which Racing could overtake River on goal difference with an unusually large win over Newell’s.