River celebrate Boca’s draw: why the result against Central suits them | OneFootball

The Millionaire took advantage of their direct rivals dropping points at the Gigante de Arroyito and pulled ahead at the top of the general standings. Although there's still time, they are getting closer to securing a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

As soon as Facundo Tello blew the final whistle on the 1-1 draw between Rosario Central and Boca, those in Núñez clenched their fists and celebrated that the two main competitors in the annual standings dropped points. River, who had already beaten Estudiantes on Saturday, wrapped up a perfect weekend.

Why did Marcelo Gallardo and company celebrate the result in Arroyito? The draw between their main pursuers in the general standings, including their historic rival, allowed them to finish matchday 8 of the Torneo Clausura even further ahead than before. In other words, they distanced themselves and are getting closer to securing a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

Since Rosario Central and Boca came into the match with 45 points in the annual standings, and River had already jumped to 49 with the win at UNO, the best possible outcome for them was the one that ultimately happened. The draw keeps both teams at a distance, precisely three points away, and gives them room for a slip-up without losing the lead - unless there's a catastrophe in goal difference.

Why did Marcelo Gallardo and company celebrate the result in Arroyito? The draw between their main pursuers in the general standings, including their historic rival, allowed them to finish matchday 8 of the Torneo Clausura even further ahead than before. In other words, they distanced themselves and are getting closer to securing a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

Since Rosario Central and Boca came into the match with 45 points in the annual standings, and River had already jumped to 49 with the win at UNO, the best possible outcome for them was the one that ultimately happened. The draw keeps both teams at a distance, precisely three points away, and gives them room for a slip-up without losing the lead - unless there's a catastrophe in goal difference.

However, it should be noted that Canalla, currently third with 46 points like Xeneize, still has to complete the suspended match against Sarmiento de Junín, and a good result would put them above Boca and even closer to the Millionaire.

The top two in the annual standings will earn direct tickets to the group stage of the 2026 Copa Libertadores, while the third will qualify for the playoffs, a risky phase because it could leave the club without any international competition in case of elimination. The most recent example is what happened to Xeneize last year with Independiente del Valle.

River's "advantage" over Boca is that, in addition to the annual standings, they still have other opportunities to qualify: winning the current continental tournament, the Copa Argentina, or directly the Torneo Clausura (in any of these cases, they would free up a spot).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.