Argentinos Juniors has secured a spot in the 2027 Copa Libertadores by finishing second in the Liga Profesional's annual table. A report from Olé this week details that the La Paternal club has accumulated 45 points from 23 games, trailing only leaders Independiente Rivadavia.
The annual table combines points from the regular phases of the 2026 Apertura and the ongoing Clausura tournaments. The top three teams earn direct entry to the group stage of the premier continental competition. With Belgrano already qualified as Apertura champions, the fight for the other two spots is intense. Argentinos Juniors, with its +9 goal difference, holds a one-point cushion over Vélez, who sit third with 44.
How is the annual table formed?
The qualification system for international cups is based on performance across the entire year. The annual table adds up points from the 16 rounds of the Apertura and the 16 of the Clausura, excluding any playoff points. This mechanism rewards consistency. Argentinos Juniors has shown that regularity, staying in the upper positions during both stages of the championship.
Fans can follow the evolution of this standings on our standings page. All Liga Profesional positions and statistics are updated there. The team managed by Gabriel Milito has achieved this key position thanks to a solid defence and moments of high effectiveness in attack.
Which other teams are fighting for cup places?
The battle for the Sudamericana spots is equally tight. Places fourth through ninth in the annual table grant a berth in the 2027 Copa Sudamericana. Boca Juniors and Gimnasia La Plata share 41 points, although the Xeneize have a better goal difference (+12). Rosario Central (40 points), Estudiantes (38), and Independiente (37) currently complete the qualification zone.
Instituto, in tenth with 37 points but a game in hand, continues to apply pressure. Any change in AFA regulations or an Argentine team winning the 2026 Libertadores or Sudamericana could alter this landscape, as noted in Olé's report. The next round of the Clausura will be decisive in defining these places.
What is the state of the squad?
To maintain this pace, Argentinos Juniors depends on the fitness of its core players. The availability of its most important figures in the final weeks of the tournament will be key. Supporters can check the status of the players in the injuries section to stay informed about any absences.
The team has a demanding schedule ahead, with matches that will define its final position. Argentinos Juniors' next fixture is against Aldosivi, a rival that just secured its first tournament win with the debut of manager Javier Sanguinetti. This match is scheduled for next weekend, and the details are in our fixtures calendar.
What does this second place mean for the club?
Securing qualification for the Copa Libertadores represents a significant sporting and economic success for Argentinos Juniors. Returning to the continent's most prestigious club competition is an achieved objective for the board and the fans. It also consolidates the sporting project that has been built in recent years.
The team has already guaranteed its participation but can still aim to finish as the annual table leader. To do so, it needs to outperform Independiente Rivadavia, which has the same number of points (45) but a superior goal difference (+15).
