Playoff Race Heats Up in Argentina as Boca and River Eye Potential Quarterfinal Clash

The 2025 Apertura tournament in Argentina’s top flight is entering its final stretch, and with Matchday 14 underway, the playoff picture begins to take shape. According to TyC Sports, seven teams have already booked their spot in the round of 16, including the country’s five most iconic clubs.

From Zone A, Boca Juniors, Huracán, and Argentinos Juniors have sealed their qualification. They would be joined by Tigre, Racing, Estudiantes, Barracas Central, and Central Córdoba. Zone B’s qualified sides are Independiente, Rosario Central, River Plate, San Lorenzo, Deportivo Riestra, Platense, Lanús, and Instituto. Notably absent is Vélez Sarsfield, the defending champions, who only secured their first win on Matchday 9.

If the standings hold, fans could witness blockbuster matchups in the next stage. Boca and River might clash as early as the quarterfinals, while the possibility of a Huracán vs San Lorenzo derby looms in the same round. Another highlight would be a fierce neighborhood showdown between Argentinos Juniors and Platense. San Lorenzo is currently lined up to face Racing in what would be a rematch of their dramatic Week 8 encounter.

Today’s projected round of 16 pairings: Boca vs Instituto, San Lorenzo vs Racing, Rosario Central vs Barracas Central, Argentinos vs Platense, Independiente vs Central Córdoba, Tigre vs Riestra, Huracán vs Lanús, and River vs Estudiantes.

All knockout ties will be single-elimination matches, hosted by the higher-seeded team. This format continues through the semifinals, with the final set for Sunday, June 1, at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero.

With three rounds left in the regular season, every point matters. Teams are not only fighting for playoff spots but also for favorable matchups and home advantage. As the standings tighten, drama is guaranteed.