What goals remain for River after Copa Libertadores exit? | OneFootball

Out of the competition with Palmeiras in the quarterfinals, now Gallardo's team must focus its efforts on the Clausura Tournament, the Argentine Cup, and qualifying for next year's top continental tournament. What is their situation?

This time there was no epic moment in Brazil. Marcelo Gallardo's River, known for so many feats in the past, confirmed that it is no longer the same as before and could not overturn the series against Palmeiras. Out of the Copa Libertadores in the quarterfinals, the dream of the Fifth is behind them, and now the Millionaire must shuffle and deal again to fight for the fronts remaining in 2025. What are those objectives?

The Clausura Tournament

Although the defeat against Atlético Tucumán made them lose the lead in Group B of the Clausura Tournament to Deportivo Riestra by one point, the truth is that the Núñez team is still in the fight to take control of the zone and stands as a candidate heading into the playoffs. Second with 18 points, they already have one foot in the knockout phase.

After the unexpected loss to Platense in the Apertura, River will seek to redeem themselves and win the tournament in which, to become champions, they must not only finish among the top eight in the regular phase but also overcome four knockout stages, from the round of 16 to the final.

The Argentine Cup

Without the Libertadores, the main objective crossed off the list, the Argentine Cup takes on new importance for Gallardo's team. In their path, also in the quarterfinals, they will face Racing, the so-called "morbo" match due to the presence of Maximiliano Salas, who left the Academy amid controversy after executing the release clause.

According to the organization, the match is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, with the venue and time yet to be confirmed. Their match is the only one left to be played in the phase, as Independiente Rivadavia already awaits the winner in the semis, while Argentinos Juniors and Belgrano remain in the other bracket.

Qualifying for the 2026 Copa Libertadores

River's focus, as a result of the two mentioned tournaments, leads to the need to qualify for next year's Copa Libertadores. If they become champions in the Clausura or the Argentine Cup, they will immediately enter directly and free up their spot in the annual; if not, they must continue accumulating points in the domestic tournament to finish among the top three and secure their ticket.

What is the outlook? The Millionaire is the sole leader of the annual with 49 points. Two points behind are Boca and Rosario Central, although the blue and gold club has a better goal difference (+19/+16). The Canalla has one less match, as they still need to complete the suspended game against Sarmiento.

Unless a catastrophe occurs, River is on track for participation in the 2026 Libertadores thanks to the three spots granted by the overall points tally. However, as a backup, with the bonus of a star, they have the opportunities provided by winning one of the two national titles.

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