Big clubs in debt: reaching the playoffs can’t hide poor form

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Radio Gol

·13 March 2026

Big clubs in debt: reaching the playoffs can’t hide poor form

The Apertura Tournament of the Professional League has entered the decisive stage after the tenth round. Although the five most important teams in the country would currently qualify for the playoffs, none of them have managed to dispel doubts about their performance. Amid institutional crises, coaching changes, and a lack of goals, Argentine football is experiencing a present where results mask a worrying level of play.

Independiente and River: questioned leaders

With 14 points, El Rojo and El Millonario lead the standings, but not the hearts of their fans.

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Independiente: The team creates chances but suffers from an alarming lack of finishing (only 3 wins in 9 matches). The whistles in Avellaneda have become a constant for a squad that always seems to be in debt.
River: After the shock of Marcelo Gallardo’s departure, the era of “Chacho” Coudet has begun. The debut win against Huracán brought some relief, but the team must regain the consistency lost after a start that fizzled out.

Boca and San Lorenzo: surviving amid crisis

Both have 13 points, but their realities differ in form:

Boca: Immersed in a sporting crisis that seems endless. Claudio Úbeda’s tenure is under scrutiny after four consecutive draws at La Bombonera. Despite being seventh in Zone A, their performance is far from what their history demands.
San Lorenzo: For the “Ciclón,” it’s pure survival. In the midst of absolute institutional chaos, the squad is working “miracles” to stay in eighth place and fight for a spot in the next phase, though they need to start winning to avoid missing out.

Racing: from nightmare to recovery

Gustavo Costas’ Academia is paying dearly for a terrible start (three straight losses). Although they are unbeaten in six matches, their 12 points are just enough to be seventh in Zone B. The comeback is real, but there is no room for error.

The final challenge: Making the playoffs is the minimum goal, but to fight for the League Champion title and the annual table, the five giants will need to make a qualitative leap that, so far, has been conspicuously absent.

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