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

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Radio Gol

·13 March 2026

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

The Apertura Tournament of the Professional League has entered the decisive phase after the tenth round. Although the five most important teams in the country would currently make it to the playoffs, none 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 concerning level of play.

Independiente and River: the questioned leaders

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

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Independiente: The team generates play 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 began. The debut win against Huracán brought some relief, but the team needs to regain the consistency lost after a start that fizzled out.

Boca and San Lorenzo: surviving amid crises

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, the performance is far from what their history demands.
San Lorenzo: The "Ciclón" is pure survival. Amid absolute institutional chaos, the squad is performing "miracles" to remain eighth and fight for entry into the next phase, although they need to win to stay in the picture.

Racing: from nightmare to recovery

Gustavo Costas' Academia pays dearly for its poor start (three consecutive losses). Although they are unbeaten in six matches, the 12 points only allow them to be seventh in Zone B. The comeback is real, but the margin for error is zero.

The final challenge: Making the playoffs is the minimum goal, but to compete for the League Champion title and the annual table, the five big teams need to make a quality leap that, so far, is glaringly absent.

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