Argentinos Juniors lost the top spot in the Liga Profesional's annual table following the latest matchday results. The La Paternal side had reached the summit with 45 points after a 2-1 win over Aldosivi but was overtaken on Tuesday when Independiente Rivadavia beat Racing 3-1, as reported by Ole.
How does the annual table look now?
The annual table, which adds up points from the 32 matchdays of the regular phases of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments, is the main criterion for qualifying for international cups. After the latest round, Independiente Rivadavia sits in first place with 46 points. Argentinos Juniors, which had been the leader, dropped to second with its 45 points. Vélez Sarsfield, with 41 points after a 1-1 draw with Riestra, occupies third position.
Boca Juniors is fourth with 40 points, while River Plate, after a 3-2 win over Banfield, moved into the Copa Sudamericana qualification zone by climbing to ninth with 36. The fight for the continental spots remains very tight at this decisive stage. You can follow the minute-by-minute evolution on our stats page.
Which positions qualify for the 2027 Libertadores?
The top three teams in the annual table at the end of the season will earn a ticket to the 2027 Copa Libertadores. The champion of the 2026 Apertura, Belgrano, and the champion of the 2026 Clausura have already secured their places, as has the winner of the 2026 Copa Argentina. The third-placed team from the annual table will have to start its journey in the tournament's second preliminary phase.
The teams that finish between fourth and ninth place will qualify for the 2027 Copa Sudamericana. This is the door currently being fought for by clubs like Boca and River, among others. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) reserves the right to modify the regulations during the competition, and an Argentine victory in the 2026 Libertadores or Sudamericana could free up an extra spot depending on the position in the table.
Which teams are fighting relegation?
The annual table also determines one direct relegation spot, which goes to the last-placed team. Another spot is determined by the worst points average over the last three years. Currently, the relegation places are occupied by Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, last in the annual table, and Aldosivi, which has the worst average. The situation for these clubs is delicate, and every point will be vital in the remainder of the championship. To check the fitness of key players in this final stretch, consult our injuries list.
What does this mean for Argentinos Juniors?
For Argentinos Juniors, losing first place is a symbolic blow, but its position in the annual table remains excellent. Staying in the top two at the end of the tournament would grant them direct access to the Copa Libertadores group stage, a primary objective for the club. The squad managed by Gabriel Milito showed solidity for much of the year and now must regroup to not lose momentum in the fight for qualification.
The path continues with decisive matches in the upcoming rounds. Consistency will be the key factor in securing a place in the top continental competition. The team has the opportunity to write a great season if it can maintain the level shown. The next stop on the calendar can be seen in our fixtures section.
