With just two matches remaining in the regular phase, the Argentine Apertura 2026 tournament has already seen five teams secure their places in the Round of 16. Estudiantes de La Plata and Vélez Sarsfield have qualified from Zone A, while Independiente Rivadavia, River Plate, and Argentinos Juniors have clinched their spots from Zone B, setting the stage for an exciting playoff round.

In Zone A, Estudiantes, featuring Santiago Arzamendia, had already cemented their position as the group leader. Vélez Sarsfield, currently second in the zone, joined them in the playoffs after a crucial 0-0 draw against San Lorenzo de Almagro on Monday night. San Lorenzo's goal was defended by Orlando Gill in that encounter.

The goalless draw at Nuevo Gasómetro left San Lorenzo's coach, Gustavo Álvarez, dissatisfied, acknowledging his team's ninth-place standing and current exclusion from the Round of 16. However, Álvarez expressed optimism, stating, "We are leaving dissatisfied with the point, because of our situation in the table and because of what the team did, but I am optimistic because there are still two games left and the squad shows me growth. We are going to face two very tough teams (Platense and Independiente). They will be two finals."

Beyond the confirmed qualifiers, Boca Juniors and Talleres de Córdoba, both with 24 points, are virtually assured of their places in the Round of 16 from Zone A. Only an improbable combination of results in the final two matchdays could prevent them from advancing. Boca Juniors boasts players like Adam Bareiro and Ángel Romero, while Talleres features Ronaldo Martínez and Alexandro Maidana.

Turning to Zone B, Independiente Rivadavia, the group leader, has already qualified. "La Lepra mendocina" drew 0-0 in their visit to Banfield, extending their lead to four points over second-placed River Plate and Argentinos Juniors. Iván Villalba and José Florentín started for Independiente Rivadavia, with Alex Arce coming on as a second-half substitute.

The draw proved to be a disappointing outcome for Banfield, known as "El Taladro," who remain in twelfth place in the table, making their path to the knockout stages increasingly difficult. The final two rounds promise intense competition as teams battle for the remaining coveted playoff berths.