The only results that could knock River out of 2026 Libertadores | OneFootball

Losing so many matches in recent rounds did not come without a cost for River. Marcelo Gallardo’s team, up until before the start of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals against Palmeiras, had their qualification for the 2026 edition on track through the annual table and was one of the top contenders to win the Clausura Tournament and the Argentine Cup.

But River fell apart. They lost at home to Deportivo Riestra, Sarmiento, and Gimnasia, and also lost away to Rosario Central and Boca. For this reason, they reached the final matchday of Zone B, in which the annual table positions are decided, outside the qualification zone for the 2026 Copa Libertadores. Although nothing is set in stone yet, as they could still end up in the qualification zone or be left with no chance to play at all.

What is the only combination of results that would leave River with no chance of playing in the 2026 Copa Libertadores?

River is currently in fourth place in the overall table, so they are not qualifying for the 2026 Copa Libertadores, and only one combination of results could see them drop to fifth. If they end up in that position, Marcelo Gallardo’s team will be left with no chance of playing the continent’s most important tournament next year.

The only combination that leaves River fifth in the annual table is if they lose to Vélez at the Amalfitani and Racing wins against Newell’s in Rosario when they face each other this Sunday at 8:15 PM. It’s worth noting that the Millonario has 52 points in the annual table and the Academia has 50.

On the other hand, if the Núñez side loses in Liniers and the Academia draws in Rosario, they will finish with the same number of points, but Gallardo’s team has a better goal difference, which is currently +17 for River and +12 for Racing.

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