Latest news with #SantiagoDelEstero
CNA
3 hours ago
- General
- CNA
Long-Shots Huracan and Platense set for Argentine title decider
While many football fans drooled over the prospect of an Apertura final between giants Boca Juniors and River Plate, the title will instead be contested by Huracan and Platense, two hungry sides chasing history in a rare decider. After decades spent in the shadow of the country's heavyweights, Huracan are chasing their first league title in over 50 years, with Sunday's final set for the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero. The team, nicknamed "The Balloon" last lifted the trophy in 1973 under coach Cesar Luis Menotti - who went on to lift the World Cup with Argentina five years later - and now find themselves on the brink of glory once more. Standing in their way are surprise package Platense, who spent more than two decades bouncing between the third and second divisions before promotion to the top flight in 2021. They are now one match away from their first major trophy. Led by coaching duo Sergio Gomez and Favio Orsi, Platense have earned a reputation as giant-killers after sneaking into the knockouts with a sixth-place finish in Group B. They ended Racing Club's six-game unbeaten run in the round of 16, shocked River Plate in a penalty shootout at the Monumental Stadium and edged past San Lorenzo 1-0 in the semi-finals. "Everything that happened to us in the past, we use today to try to be resilient," coach Gomez told reporters ahead of the final. "This is who we are, what we convey and what we leave in each other's hearts: a team that gives its all and fights tooth and nail." HURACAN'S RISE Meanwhile, Huracan, who finished fourth in Group A, made the most of their home advantage in the last 16 to beat Deportivo Riestra 3–2. Then they knocked out two title contenders on the road: Group B leaders Rosario Central 1–0 in the quarter-finals and Independiente on penalties in the semis. Manager Frank Dario Kudelka is now hoping his side can build on the solid form shown in recent months, having come close to lifting the trophy last season with a fourth-place finish. "We are a very good team that can beat anyone, and we have been sustaining this for a long time," Kudelka said after Huracan moved into the Copa Sudamericana knockout stages with a 1-0 win over Brazil's Corinthians on Tuesday. "I've managed in every category of Argentine football and the only thing missing is winning the First Division. This Sunday I have an important opportunity."
Reuters
3 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Long-Shots Huracan and Platense set for Argentine title decider
May 30 (Reuters) - While many football fans drooled over the prospect of an Apertura final between giants Boca Juniors and River Plate, the title will instead be contested by Huracan and Platense, two hungry sides chasing history in a rare decider. After decades spent in the shadow of the country's heavyweights, Huracan are chasing their first league title in over 50 years, with Sunday's final set for the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero. The team, nicknamed "The Balloon" last lifted the trophy in 1973 under coach Cesar Luis Menotti - who went on to lift the World Cup with Argentina five years later - and now find themselves on the brink of glory once more. Standing in their way are surprise package Platense, who spent more than two decades bouncing between the third and second divisions before promotion to the top flight in 2021. They are now one match away from their first major trophy. Led by coaching duo Sergio Gomez and Favio Orsi, Platense have earned a reputation as giant-killers after sneaking into the knockouts with a sixth-place finish in Group B. They ended Racing Club's six-game unbeaten run in the round of 16, shocked River Plate in a penalty shootout at the Monumental Stadium and edged past San Lorenzo 1-0 in the semi-finals. "Everything that happened to us in the past, we use today to try to be resilient," coach Gomez told reporters ahead of the final. "This is who we are, what we convey and what we leave in each other's hearts: a team that gives its all and fights tooth and nail." Meanwhile, Huracan, who finished fourth in Group A, made the most of their home advantage in the last 16 to beat Deportivo Riestra 3–2. Then they knocked out two title contenders on the road: Group B leaders Rosario Central 1–0 in the quarter-finals and Independiente on penalties in the semis. Manager Frank Dario Kudelka is now hoping his side can build on the solid form shown in recent months, having come close to lifting the trophy last season with a fourth-place finish. "We are a very good team that can beat anyone, and we have been sustaining this for a long time," Kudelka said after Huracan moved into the Copa Sudamericana knockout stages with a 1-0 win over Brazil's Corinthians on Tuesday. "I've managed in every category of Argentine football and the only thing missing is winning the First Division. This Sunday I have an important opportunity." Beyond the league title, a coveted spot in next year's Copa Libertadores is also on the line, a chance for two unlikely finalists to step onto South America's biggest club stage.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Liga Argentina Is Set To Crown A New Champion
Franco Zapiola of Platense celebrates with teammate after scoring the team's first goal during a ... More Torneo Apertura Betano 2025 semifinal match between San Lorenzo and Platense at Pedro Bidegain Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 'Liga Profesional de Fútbol' in Argentina will crown a new national champion this Sunday when Huracán take on Platense in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The likes of River Plate and Boca Juniors have fallen, but the mighty minnows remain. Technically this final will be a Buenos Aires derby, but in truth these teams have got no bad blood and there are that many teams in the capital of Argentina that rivalries tend to be with those who share neighbourhoods and not the city. This encounter will be monumental either way, as it represents an extremely rare opportunity for both clubs to win silverware. This is a once in a generation chance for Huracán to win the league title, and a once in a lifetime chance for Platense. Just 90 minutes, and perhaps a penalty shoot-out, separates one of these clubs from the ultimate glory and it has been coming for a very, very long time. Huracan's Ecuadorean goalkeeper #01 Hernan Galindez (L) celebrates with teammate forward #43 Eric ... More Ramirez after the penalty shootout and winning the Argentine Professional Football League 2025 Apertura Tournament semi-final match between Independiente and Huracan at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Huracán hasn't won a title since 2014, and the club hasn't won a league campaign since 1973. That was the most recent of five top division titles, with the rest all coming between 1921 and 1928. Huracán has reached the final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win away against Independiente in the semis. Another twist in the tale of what has been an epic play-off tournament in Argentina. In the quarter-finals Huracán won away against Rosario Central, who is top of the annual table in Argentina for 2025, so nobody can suggest that the 'Globo' doesn't deserve a spot in this final. Huracán is on an impressive defensive run, boasting three consecutive clean sheets, but the team still has to host Corinthians of Brazil in the Copa Sudamericana before the final this weekend. Thankfully for the home side it has already secured progression from the Copa Sudamericana group phase and so will surely rest players ahead of Sunday's league decider. Players of Huracan celebrate after the penalty shootout and winning the Argentine Professional ... More Football League 2025 Apertura Tournament semi-final match between Independiente and Huracan at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires province, Argentina on May 24, 2025. If you thought that the Huracán wait for a major trophy was a long one then you haven't read anything yet. Platense has never ever won a major title. Since it was founded in 1905 the club from the north zone of Buenos Aires has only ever had success in moving from the second division to the first. Therefore Sunday is an even bigger deal for the team known as the 'Calamar.' Victory this weekend, for sure, would be a miracle for the team that plays in the unique brown jersey. Oscar Salomon of Platense runs with the ball against Santiago Solari of Racing Club during a Torneo ... More Apertura 2025 round of sixteen match between Racing Club and Platense at Presidente Peron Stadium on May 10, 2025 in Avellaneda, Argentina. Platense is a relatively tiny club, even compared to Huracán which isn't one of the 'big five' in Argentina. The Platense stadium holds under 30,000 spectators but is normally half-full at the very best. It is a team looked down upon by the others and one that usually has to sell any blossoming talent just to remain in existence. Platense has already completed a historic play-off run to the final, winning all three knock-out games away from home. In defeating Racing Club, River Plate and San Lorenzo in those fixtures Platense managed to beat three of the 'big five' teams in Argentina. It's a remarkable run of form defying all the odds. The key for Platense has been staying solid at the back, conceding just one goal in those three games via a River Plate penalty. Platense does not play in continental competition and so has all week to prepare for the biggest game in its 119-year history. This is an incredible underdog story for a club that has never come close to silverware and a squad that has only won six league games from 16 this season. Platense's midfielder #10 Vicente Taborda celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the ... More Argentine Professional Football League 2025 Apertura Tournament quarter-final match between River Plate and Platense at the MAS Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on May 20, 2025. Having said that, Huracán only lead Platense by four points in the annual table. Both teams were overlooked by everyone as title contenders but Platense's run to the final has been so outstanding that you might just believe that their name is on the trophy this year. If recent games are anything to go by this will be an extremely tense and low-scoring affair, but for the fans of both clubs it will be a huge party, and perhaps even the best day of their lives as soccer fans. For the majority of Huracán supporters it could be the first major trophy they witness their team winning, and of course for Platense it would finally be the first in the history of the entire club. The league structure in Argentina is often rightfully criticised, but this incredible final is a very welcome symptom of such mayhem, and either way; soccer history will be made in Argentina this Sunday. Platense's forward #26 Ignacio Schor celebrates after scoring during the penalty shootout and ... More winning the Argentine Professional Football League 2025 Apertura Tournament quarter-final match between River Plate and Platense at the MAS Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on May 20, 2025.
CNA
09-05-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Explainer-Argentine Apertura tournament explained
Argentina's football season shifts into high gear this weekend as the Apertura tournament kicks off its knockout phase, setting the stage for three weeks of drama. Here's everything you need to know as Argentina's top clubs chase glory. WHAT IS THE APERTURA? The Apertura or "Opening" tournament is half of Argentina's split-season format, which was reintroduced in 2025 after its last implementation in 2012. It runs from January to June and is followed by the Clausura or "Closing" tournament from July to December. HOW DID WE GET HERE? The tournament reaches its climax after a 16-round group stage, where 30 clubs are split into two 15-team groups or zones playing 14 matches within their group and two inter-zonal clashes against the other. The top eight from each zone advance to the knockout stage, seeded by their regular-season results in a bracket designed to keep the nation's fiercest rivals apart until a possible final showdown. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals will be single-legged ties hosted by the higher-seeded team with matches level after 90 minutes proceeding straight to penalties. The final will be played on neutral ground at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero on June 1, with extra time before penalties if necessary. WHO ARE THE CONTENDERS? Despite occasional stumbles through the group stage, River Plate and Boca Juniors remain the dominant forces in Argentine football, accounting for seven of the last 10 league titles between them. With the big two on opposite sides of the bracket, hopes are high for a potential Superclasico final that would send the nation into collective delirium. River appear to be hitting their stride at the right time, having scored 11 goals in their last four matches, including a 4-1 thrashing of reigning champions Velez Sarsfield, who failed to qualify for the knockouts. Boca were on top form before a late stumble, including a Superclasico loss, saw them slip from top spot on goal difference. Beyond the Buenos Aires giants, Group A winners Argentinos Juniors are seeking their first title since 2010, while Rosario Central, leaders in Group B, could be well positioned to end a 38-year league championship drought. YOUNG TALENT TAKING CENTRE STAGE Despite a steady stream of promising players heading abroad, Argentina's production line continues to turn out talent. River remain one of the most important academies and their 17-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono has been linked with a move to Manchester United as he attracted attention with his stunning free-kick in last month's Superclasico. Winger Ian Subiabre has also drawn Premier League interest, increasing his playing time in River's attack. The 18-year-old could follow in the footsteps of former teammate Claudio Echeverri, who joined Manchester City after a few senior games. Boca have 19-year-old Milton Delgado, widely regarded as one of the world's top midfield prospects, while Kevin Zenon appears set for European shores after this year's Club World Cup. Rosario Central striker Santiago Lopez has also made a strong impression, scoring twice in his last six regular-season appearances. WHAT'S AT STAKE? Beyond national glory, the Apertura champions automatically qualify for the 2026 Copa Libertadores - South America's Champions League - and will contest the Argentine Champions Trophy against the Clausura winners. WHO QUALIFIED? ZONE A ZONE B Argentinos Rosario Central Juniors Boca Juniors River Plate Racing Club Independiente Huracan San Lorenzo Tigre Deportivo Riestra Independiente Platense Rivadavia Barracas Lanus Central Estudiantes Instituto LAST 16 FIXTURES: May 10: San Lorenzo v Tigre Rosario Central v Estudiantes Racing Club v Platense Boca Juniors v Lanus May 11: Independiente v Independiente Rivadavia Argentinos Juniors v Instituto Huracan v Deportivo Riestra
Reuters
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Explainer: Soccer-Argentine Apertura tournament explained
May 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's football season shifts into high gear this weekend as the Apertura tournament kicks off its knockout phase, setting the stage for three weeks of drama. Here's everything you need to know as Argentina's top clubs chase glory. The Apertura or "Opening" tournament is half of Argentina's split-season format, which was reintroduced in 2025 after its last implementation in 2012. It runs from January to June and is followed by the Clausura or "Closing" tournament from July to December. The tournament reaches its climax after a 16-round group stage, where 30 clubs are split into two 15-team groups or zones playing 14 matches within their group and two inter-zonal clashes against the other. The top eight from each zone advance to the knockout stage, seeded by their regular-season results in a bracket designed to keep the nation's fiercest rivals apart until a possible final showdown. The round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals will be single-legged ties hosted by the higher-seeded team with matches level after 90 minutes proceeding straight to penalties. The final will be played on neutral ground at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero on June 1, with extra time before penalties if necessary. Despite occasional stumbles through the group stage, River Plate and Boca Juniors remain the dominant forces in Argentine football, accounting for seven of the last 10 league titles between them. With the big two on opposite sides of the bracket, hopes are high for a potential Superclasico final that would send the nation into collective delirium. River appear to be hitting their stride at the right time, having scored 11 goals in their last four matches, including a 4-1 thrashing of reigning champions Velez Sarsfield, who failed to qualify for the knockouts. Boca were on top form before a late stumble, including a Superclasico loss, saw them slip from top spot on goal difference. Beyond the Buenos Aires giants, Group A winners Argentinos Juniors are seeking their first title since 2010, while Rosario Central, leaders in Group B, could be well positioned to end a 38-year league championship drought. Despite a steady stream of promising players heading abroad, Argentina's production line continues to turn out talent. River remain one of the most important academies and their 17-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono has been linked with a move to Manchester United as he attracted attention with his stunning free-kick in last month's Superclasico. Winger Ian Subiabre has also drawn Premier League interest, increasing his playing time in River's attack. The 18-year-old could follow in the footsteps of former teammate Claudio Echeverri, who joined Manchester City after a few senior games. Boca have 19-year-old Milton Delgado, widely regarded as one of the world's top midfield prospects, while Kevin Zenon appears set for European shores after this year's Club World Cup. Rosario Central striker Santiago Lopez has also made a strong impression, scoring twice in his last six regular-season appearances. Beyond national glory, the Apertura champions automatically qualify for the 2026 Copa Libertadores - South America's Champions League - and will contest the Argentine Champions Trophy against the Clausura winners. WHO QUALIFIED? LAST 16 FIXTURES: May 10: San Lorenzo v Tigre Rosario Central v Estudiantes Racing Club v Platense Boca Juniors v Lanus May 11: Independiente v Independiente Rivadavia Argentinos Juniors v Instituto Huracan v Deportivo Riestra May 12: River Plate v Barracas
