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Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Explainer-Soccer-Argentine Apertura tournament explained
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Argentina Primera Division - Boca Juniors v River Plate - Estadio La Bombonera, Buenos Aires, Argentina - September 21, 2024 Boca Juniors fans inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File Photo FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Argentine Primera Division - River Plate v Boca Juniors - Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina - April 27, 2025 River Plate fans inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File Photo 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 May 12: River Plate v Barracas REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Explainer-Soccer-Argentine Apertura tournament explained
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Argentine Primera Division - River Plate v Boca Juniors - Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina - April 27, 2025 Boca Juniors' Kevin Zenon in action with River Plate's Facundo Colidio REUTERS/Rodrigo Valle/File Photo (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. 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 May 12: River Plate v Barracas (Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris)
CNA
05-05-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Boca Juniors held to frustrating 1-1 draw at Tigre
SAN FERNANDO, Argentina :Boca Juniors dropped to second place in Group A of the Argentine Primera Division Apertura tournament after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Tigre on Sunday, setting up a last-16 clash with Lanus. Boca, who parted ways with coach Fernando Gago last week after losing the 'Superclasico' to River Plate, finished second in Group A on 33 points, level with leaders Argentinos Juniors but trailing on goal difference. They advanced to the second-phase and round of 16, where they will face Lanus, who finished seventh in Group B. The visitors took the lead in the first half when Kevin Zenon fired home from outside the area after being played in by Miguel Merentiel after a quick counterattack on 21 minutes. Tigre levelled before the break when Joaquin Laso latched onto a corner and set up Lorenzo Scipioni, who volleyed home from close range. "We wanted to finish well, get the three points and go first, but it didn't happen and now we have to focus on what comes next. As a group we have to keep working," Merentiel said after the match. Boca thought they had restored their lead in the second half when Tomas Belmonte's header deflected off Tigre defender Diego Sosa and into the net, but the goal was disallowed for handball after a VAR review. Lightning struck twice when Rodrigo Battaglia latched on to Marcos Rojo's through ball to score, but Boca were again denied for offside.
Metro
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Franco Mastantuono sends message to Man Utd over £38m summer transfer
Franco Mastantuono has distanced himself from rumours of a possible move to Manchester United this summer, insisting he remains fully 'committed' to River Plate. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder made his senior debut for River Plate in January 2024 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the brightest young talents in South American football over the last season-and-a-half. This term, Mastantuono has racked up four goals and two assists for the Buenos Aires-outfit and the Argentina Under-20 international is fast becoming the star man in Marcelo Gallardo's starting XI. The youngster's stock rose further still with an exceptional individual performance in River Plate's Superclasico victory over Boca Juniors at the weekend. Many of Europe's elite clubs are already beginning to sit up and take notice, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all circling for Mastantuono. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. According to Argentine newspaper Infobae, United have shown 'the most concrete interest' in recent days, but it's claimed the Old Trafford giants face an uphill battle in securing a deal for the teenager. The report states that River Plate have no intention of selling Mastantuono, unless the player himself expresses a desire to move on. It would also require a club to pay the player's €45million (£38m) release clause in full. STOP AND WATCH THIS FREEKICK 🤯17-year-old Franco Mastantuono scored this for River late in the Superclasico against Boca Juniors. Literally the living the dream 😍 — Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 28, 2025 'I'm committed to River Plate,' Mastantuono told Argentine media following the side's 2-1 win over Boca on Sunday. 'We have a lot of things ahead of us. I'm really enjoying it and I want to continue being here. 'Later, in the future, we'll see, but right now my mind is on River Plate.' River Plate head coach Gallardo, meanwhile, believes it is imperative that Mastantuono ignores the noise and keeps his feet firmly on the ground if he is to fulfil his undoubted potential. 'We have to support him because he's taking his first steps,' Gallardo told reporters. 'We shouldn't think that we want to sell him because of his financial strength and the enthusiasm he generates at his young age. We have to protect him. 'He's got his feet firmly on the ground. It's not a bad idea to support him, to tell him he has to keep growing. 'I'm not saying it is normal, because it's not the growth of any 17-year-old, but he has to keep growing as a footballer and as a person.' Gallardo stressed that the club had no plans to part with Mastantuono in the foreseeable future. He added: 'We don't want that. That's not going to happen anytime soon.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
New York Times
28-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
River Plate star Franco Mastantuono, 17, will remain at club for remainder of 2025, says director
River Plate's 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono will remain at the club for the 2025 season, says club board member Stefano Di Carlo — despite interest from elite European clubs. Mastantuono scored the opener for his side in their 2-1 Superclasico victory over Boca Juniors on Sunday, curling home a left-footed free-kick from around 30 yards out. It was the teenager's fourth goal in 13 matches this season. Advertisement The Athletic reported in July 2024 that Real Madrid were interested in acquiring the attacking midfielder. Mastantuono turns 18 in August, at which point he could depart the Argentinian club. Any deal agreed before that would see him remain with River Plate until he turns 18, in a similar manner to Madrid's signing of Endrick from Palmeiras. Di Carlo, however, told SportsCenter on Monday that Mastantuono would remain at the club for at least the remainder of 2025: saying: 'Yes, yes, that's a certainty already.' En efecto 💎🎬 — River Plate (@RiverPlate) April 27, 2025 The Athletic previously reported that Mastantuono has a release clause set in his contract, which initially stood at €45million ($51.3m) but has since risen to €50m ($57m). Mastantuono is eligible for an Italian passport through his grandmother, allowing him to play across Europe more easily. Mastantuono garnered widespread attention when he scored a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner to give River Plate a 1-0 victory over Sarmiento Junin last season, then aged 16. It was his only league goal of the 2024 campaign, though he scored four in all competitions across 43 appearances. He has already matched that tally this season. River Plate are third in Group B of the Liga Profesional, four points off top side Rosario. Mastantuono's side will compete at the summer's Club World Cup, held in the United States, with fixtures against Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey and Inter in the group stage. The Club World Cup starts on June 15, and the final is set for July 13 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
