The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially released the complete schedule and referee assignments for the opening round of the Liga Profesional de Fútbol, setting the stage for an action-packed return to top-tier domestic competition across Argentina. According to official league documents published by the AFA, the tournament’s first round features a comprehensive slate of matches running from late July, highlighting high-profile fixtures such as River Plate hosting Barracas Central and Boca Juniors traveling to face Deportivo Riestra.
As soccer fans and analysts look ahead to the unfolding fixtures, the official league schedule provides exact dates, kickoff times, and officiating crews for every encounter. With venues stretching from Buenos Aires to Mendoza and Córdoba, the opening weekend requires precise logistical planning for clubs and supporters alike. Below is the complete, verified breakdown of fixtures, schedules, and referee appointments for the opening round of the Liga Profesional.
Liga Profesional Opening Round Match Schedule and Officials
The action kicks off on Thursday, July 23, with a pair of simultaneous evening matches. Belgrano de Córdoba hosts Rosario Central at Estadio Julio César Villagra, with Sebastián Zunino assigned as the main referee, assisted by Cristian Navarro and Agustín Méndez, while Germán Delfino oversees the VAR booth. Simultaneously, Sarmiento welcomes Argentinos Juniors, officiated by Luis Lobo Medina on the pitch and Gastón Monzón Brizuela handling VAR duties. The Thursday night slate concludes with Defensa y Justicia playing host to Aldosivi of Mar del Plata under referee Daniel E. Zamora.
Friday, July 24, brings five matches starting in the afternoon. Gimnasia de Mendoza faces Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero with Andrés Gariano as the referee. Later that evening at 19.00 local time, Racing Club welcomes Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata at El Cilindro, with Nicolás Ramírez holding the whistle and Héctor Paleta managing VAR. Concurrently, Vélez Sarsfield takes on Instituto de Córdoba, directed by Andrés Merlos. The Friday night schedule wraps up at 21.15 with Huracán facing Banfield under Juan Pafundi, and Platense meeting Unión with Sebastián Martínez as the primary official.
Saturday, July 25, features four fixtures across the afternoon and evening. Estudiantes de Río Cuarto plays Tigre at 14.45 with Bryan Ferreyra refereeing, backed by Silvio Trucco on VAR. Newell’s Old Boys clashes with Talleres de Córdoba at 17.00 under Ignacio Baliño. River Plate takes the pitch at Estadio Monumental at 19.15 to face Barracas Central, with Nazareno Arasa serving as referee and Pablo Echavarría as the VAR official. The evening concludes at 21.30 when Lanús squares off against San Lorenzo de Almagro, officiated by Leandro Rey Hilfer.
The opening round concludes on Sunday, July 26, with three crucial encounters. Atlético Tucumán hosts Independiente Rivadavia of Mendoza at 15.00 under referee Álvaro Carranza. At 17.15, Estudiantes de La Plata meets Independiente at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, with Pablo Dóvalo in charge of the match and Sebastián Habib on VAR. The weekend schedule rounds out at 19.30 as Deportivo Riestra hosts Boca Juniors, with Hernán Mastrángelo assigned as the central referee and Lucas Novelli overseeing the VAR technology.
Primera Nacional Mid-Season Fixtures and Match Officials
Alongside the top-flight action, the AFA released the corresponding schedule for the Primera Nacional, featuring Round 22 fixtures across the same weekend. Saturday, July 25, opens at 15.00 with Estudiantes facing Ciudad de Bolívar under referee Juan Cruz Robledo, alongside Tristán Suárez against Chacarita Juniors with Juan Pablo Loustau officiating. Atlético de Rafaela hosts Nueva Chicago at 16.00 with Matías Billone on the whistle, while San Martín de Tucumán meets Temperley at 19.00 under Federico Benítez.
Sunday, July 26, highlights a busy afternoon block starting at 15.00. Deportivo Morón plays Ferro Carril Oeste with Felipe Viola as referee, Los Andes takes on Deportivo Madryn under Gonzalo Pereira, and All Boys faces Defensores de Belgrano with Bruno Amiconi officiating.
Coaches and players across both divisions are finalizing tactical preparations as matchdays approach. With officiating assignments locked in by the AFA’s refereeing committee, clubs turn their full attention to securing early-season points in the standings. Fans planning to follow the action should verify local stadium gate times and official broadcasting announcements ahead of kickoff.
