Global Courant
The Professional League Cup is preparing for a day, number 7, with interzonal transitions and better known as the date of the Classics. But despite the magnitude that the duels between eternal rivals (or pairings in some cases) represent in terms of the agenda itself, there will be an additional factor: the fight for relegation and the constant eye on the yearbook table.
Yes, as strange as it may sound, finishing in the top four of each zone to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament seems like a secondary goal. The morbidity created by the definition of permanence takes all the flashes. And the classics will be no exception, but will provide the appropriate extra spice.
Of the 14 games, six will not only be about defeating the classic rival. One of the teams will try to condemn the other in the annual standings. The other will try to use a game of this magnitude as a boost to clear the danger zone. And in some cases, both teams meet in a context in which both have to score points. This is how the date of the classics and the morbid is presented. Whoever wins will be celebrated twice. A more than electrifying combination and not for the faint of heart.
The six classics that will attract attention on the annual table
The first of these will be none other than San Lorenzo vs. Huracán, this Saturday from 4 p.m. El Ciclón will try to return to victory after five draws in a row, with the intention of not allowing El Globo to continue its positive series of 8 victories to extend in the last 10 games.
Those from Parque Patricios have only 37 annual points and have only one difference with Gimnasia and Vélez (36), between which a hypothetical tiebreaker would take place. A loss could make things much more difficult for the Globe.
The Buenos Aires neighborhood classic gets added spice due to relegation. Photo: MARCELO CARROLL.
On Saturday at 7 p.m. there will be an exciting duel between Racing and Independent. Not only the gift of Rojo (39 points), who need the win since they are only three points behind Gimnasia and Vélez, influences Carlos Tevez having the opportunity to establish himself in the position of coach, but also Fernando Gago also has a lot at stake as we face weeks of questions from academic fans. One of the most exciting classics of recent years takes place in the Cilindro de Avellaneda.
Avellaneda will get sparks. Photo: Maxi Failla
To end a Saturday of pure football with classics that are more than just a final, it will be Banfield vs Lanús from 9:30 p.m. El Taladro is one of the most complicated teams in the annual table, just one point ahead (37) of the red places. Since he is the one coaching the home team, committing to winning seems to be the only option.
The meetings continue on Sunday. They start with the Superclásico from 2:00 p.m., but there will be no calculator in the Bombonera. Where they will undoubtedly be used will be the Santa Fe Classic: Colón vs. Union, at 4:30 p.m.
The annual table race
avoid relegation
Tap to explore data
»Number of points, date by date.
Note: Arsenal loses the category on average,
The other relegation goes to the penultimate team in this table.
Infographic: Clarin
It will be the only duel in which both teams not only fight to stay, but both have 37 units. The condemnation of the loser and the delirium of the winner can be terrible.
Wanchope, Colón’s gate key to destroy Unión. Photo: Telam.
Then it is the turn of one of the most needy: Gimnasia visits Estudiantes at 5 p.m. with the commitment not to leave any points on the way since they are not currently saved, together with Vélez. Pincharrata will want to destroy the illusion of permanence of those led by Leonardo Madelón.
Finally, on Monday from 9 p.m., Platense will be the person who completes this list when he hosts the Argentinos Juniors in Vicente López. The team led by Martín Palermo is one of the most oxygenated teams thanks to their points cushion (41). However, a decline at home could significantly reduce the gap with the rest of those in need if they add units.
Palermo and its Platense continue to try to breathe deeply. Photo: MARCELO CARROLL.
In addition to the above-mentioned games, there will also be other games in which the remaining teams will compete at the end of the annual table: Tigre vs. Vélez (Friday from 8 p.m.), Barracas Central vs. Sarmiento, Godoy Cruz vs. Instituto (both on Monday at 6:30 p.m.) and Atlético Tucumán against Central Córdoba (Monday at 9 p.m.).
However, they are not really considered classics, but rather are games in which different clubs compete against each other who do not have their eternal rival in the First Division.
Finally, the duels in which “the specter” of relegation will not be present will be Boca vs. River (Sunday at 2 p.m.), Talleres vs. Belgrano (Sunday at 6:45 p.m.) and Arsenal vs. Defense and Justice. With a clarification, the Sarandí team is practically doomed to relegation, either because of the averages or because it occupies the last place in the annual table, where it gives up its place to Gimnasia and Vélez.
The complete agenda of the appointment
11:00 a.m. Arsenal – Defense and Justice
4 p.m. San Lorenzo – Hurricane
4:30 p.m. Rosario Central – Newell’s
7:00 p.m. Race – Independent
9.30 p.m. Banfield – Lanus
5:00 p.m. Students – Gymnastics
6.45 p.m. Workshops – Belgrano
6.30 p.m. Central Barracks – Sarmiento
6.30 p.m. Godoy Cruz – Institute
9 p.m. Platense – Argentinians
21.00 Atlético Tucumán – Central Córdob
