River still winless, hopes of reaching 2026 Libertadores fading | OneFootball

The River Plate settled for a modest 0-0 draw with Vélez Sarsfield this Sunday, in the 16th and final round, and is now required to become the champion of the Argentine Clausura tournament to enter the group stage of the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

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Dependence on Armani

In a scrappy duel, the Millonario once again highlighted its offensive anemia and reached four matches without scoring goals. Once again, goalkeeper Franco Armani was crucial in avoiding defeat, while the negative streak continues with only two wins in the last twelve official games.

With this draw, River finished in sixth place in Group B, securing a spot in the round of 16, and now awaits to know its opponent, as Group A has not yet concluded.

Casco admits difficult moment

“It's a difficult situation, one we're not used to, but we have to face it, stand tall. Looking ahead, we have to give it our all. We don't like being in this situation, but we are aware,” said Milton Casco, River's full-back.

With the draw, Marcelo Gallardo's team also lost the chance to access the Libertadores through the annual table, as they finished in fourth place.

Argentine spots in the 2026 Libertadores

For the 2026 Libertadores, six Argentine teams will qualify. In this context, spots are already secured for Platense (Apertura champion), Independiente Rivadavia (Argentine Cup champion), and Rosario Central, Boca, and Argentinos Juniors (through the annual table), with the detail that the latter will have to play a playoff before the group stage.

River could access this playoff if Rosario Central, Boca, or Argentinos Juniors win the Clausura and free up an extra spot in the overall season table.

“In this context of negativity, everything costs us more, everything is uphill. We need to assimilate what is happening, and I see no other way but to keep trying. At some point, this will change; it won't last forever. Those who can't handle it or are weak can't be here. I can,” analyzed Muñeco Gallardo.

For now, the only certainty is that to enter directly into the group stage, River needs to be the Clausura champion. In the worst-case scenario, they will access the next Copa Sudamericana.

Classic ends scoreless

In another match this Sunday, Instituto and Talleres drew 0-0 in the Córdoba classic, a result that confirmed Talleres as qualified for the round of 16, while their rival was already out of the playoffs.

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