Sports · Football · 53 mins ago
River can still win the Clausura, but faces questions ahead of playoffs
River Plate will face Lanús in the Clausura round of 16, with four knockout wins needed to take the title.
The team is coached by Leonardo Ponzio, and all 16 clubs that reached the playoffs can still win the tournament.
River’s high-profile new signings give it players who can decide close games, including Ángel Correa, Thiago Almada and Lucas Beltrán.
The team’s overall level has improved since Ponzio took charge, though it struggled in recent games against Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, Aldosivi and Boca.
River has had an uneven and difficult season, and a single goal could end its title hopes in a knockout match.
The playoff format offers a route for a team that is not the most consistent, since ties can be decided by penalties.
Winning the Clausura could help River qualify for the 2027 Copa Libertadores; the team’s next step is its match against Lanús.
River can still win Argentina’s Clausura because all 16 teams that qualified for the playoffs remain eligible to take the title.
The team will face Lanús in the round of 16.
Olé says River has high-quality players who could decide close matches and that its overall level has improved since Leonardo Ponzio took charge.
The article also notes that River has struggled in recent matches and will need stronger performances from key players.
Winning the tournament would help River recover from an adverse year and qualify for the 2027 Copa Libertadores.
- Who
- River Plate, coached by Leonardo Ponzio, and its round-of-16 opponent Lanús.
- What
- River remains eligible to win the Clausura through the playoffs. It is also seeking to qualify for the 2027 Copa Libertadores.
- When
- The playoffs are ahead; the article was published on November 11, 2026.
- Where
- Argentina.
- Why
- A Clausura title would help River recover from an adverse year and qualify for the 2027 Copa Libertadores.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
River’s overall level improved after Leonardo Ponzio took charge, according to Olé.
Olé reported that River would face Lanús in the round of 16 and remained eligible to win the Clausura.
- Playoff field
- 16 teams qualified and can still win the tournament
- Round of 16
- River vs. Lanús
- Coach
- Leonardo Ponzio
- Target
- Qualification for the 2027 Copa Libertadores
What people are saying
The 16 teams that qualified for the playoffs can win the tournament.