Rosario Central and Independiente Secure Round of 16 Berths in Argentina’s Apertura

As Matchday 12 unfolds in the 2025 Torneo Apertura, two clubs have already punched their ticket to the knockout stage. Rosario Central and Independiente became the first teams to secure their spots in the Round of 16, both sitting atop Group B with 25 points, though Independiente holds the lead on goal difference, according to TN Deportivo.

Independiente clinched qualification after a 1-1 draw against Lanús, while Rosario Central sealed theirs with a 2-1 win over Vélez. Right behind them are San Lorenzo (22) and River Plate (21), both in striking distance to qualify next round.

Group A, however, remains wide open. Boca Juniors leads with 26 points, followed by Argentinos Juniors (25), Tigre (24 with a game in hand), and Huracán (23). Estudiantes (19), Central Córdoba (18), Barracas Central and Independiente Rivadavia (both 17) currently round out the top eight. Racing, fresh off a 4-1 win over Banfield, sits on 16 points and remains in the hunt.

If the tournament ended today, these would be the projected matchups: Boca vs Talleres, Argentinos vs Lanús, Tigre vs Platense, Huracán vs Riestra, River vs Estudiantes, San Lorenzo vs Central Córdoba, Rosario Central vs Barracas Central, and Independiente vs Independiente Rivadavia.

The Apertura features two groups of 15 teams each, playing 16 matches including one against a traditional rival and another drawn randomly. The top eight teams from each group advance to single-elimination rounds played at the higher seed’s stadium, with the final held at a neutral venue.