Playoff Brackets Set
The Clausura tournament field is locked after a 1-1 draw between Lanús and Central Córdoba set the final standings and sent 16 teams into the knockout rounds.
The match in Santiago del Estero featured goals from Eduardo Salvio and an own goal by Tomás Guidara. The opening round will take place on the weekend of November 21 and 22, following the FIFA international break, with exact days and kickoff times still to be confirmed by the Professional Football League.
Pathways Keep Rivals Apart
Clarin reported that Boca Juniors and River Plate landed on opposite sides of the postseason bracket, meaning the two clubs can only meet if both reach the championship match. River takes on Lanús in the opening round, while Boca faces Independiente Rivadavia. River finished fourth in Zona B with 55 points, while Lanús wrapped up the regular phase in fifth place in Zona A with 50 points.
Regular Season Standings Shape Host Venues
Infobae reported that Instituto secured the top seed in Zona A after drawing 2-2 with Newell’s, earning home-field advantage throughout the early rounds. Meanwhile, Rosario Central claimed the summit of Zona B to set up a home fixture against Gimnasia de Mendoza, as reported by Olé.
Instituto will play its matches at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium instead of its usual Alta Córdoba venue due to a scheduled musical concert taking place that same weekend.
Complete First Round Pairings
The opening knockout matches pit Instituto against Huracán, and River Plate against Lanús on the left side of the draw. Additional matchups feature Argentinos Juniors hosting Independiente, and Vélez meeting Belgrano.
On the right side, Rosario Central plays Gimnasia de Mendoza, Defensa y Justicia faces Barracas Central, Boca Juniors welcomes Independiente Rivadavia, and Gimnasia de La Plata squares off against Newell’s. All matches in the round of 16 and quarterfinals will be played at the stadium of the team that finished higher in the regular-season standings.
Single Games Decide Matches from Round of 16 Onward
TyC Sports noted that all matches from the round of 16 through the semifinals will be decided in a single game hosted by the higher seed. If scores remain level after 90 minutes, teams will play two 15-minute periods of extra time before proceeding to a penalty shootout if necessary.
Championship Match Schedule
The final is scheduled for December 12 at the Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona in La Plata, operating under the same extra-time and penalty rules. The winner earns direct entry into the 2027 Copa Libertadores group stage and advances to face Apertura champion Belgrano on December 19 at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Córdoba.
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