River was left out of the Copa Libertadores after failing to reverse the series against Palmeiras and that elimination in the quarterfinals forces Núñez’s team to reorganize its goals for the end of 2025, with its sights set on three fronts: the Clausura Tournament, the Argentine Cup and qualification for the 2026 continental competition.
In the Clausura tournament, “Millonario” is second in Group B with 18 points, one behind the leader Deportivo Riestra, after giving up the lead in the defeat against Atlético. Despite this fall, they remain firm in the fight to take over the area and consolidate themselves as a candidate in the playoffs. With half a foot in the knockout phase, the challenge is to correct mistakes and reach the decisive stages with force, after the setback that came with being left without a title in the Apertura.
The other big card is the Argentine Cup, which gained importance by not having the Libertadores on the immediate horizon. River will face Racing in the quarterfinals, a match with special seasoning for the return of Maximiliano Salas to the field after his controversial departure from the “Academy”. The duel is scheduled for October 2, at the Gigante de Arroyito, starting at 6:00 p.m. Independiente Rivadavia awaits in the semifinals, while Argentinos Juniors and Belgrano advanced on the other side of the draw.
Beyond the titles, River’s priority is to ensure its presence in Libertadores 2026. It currently leads the annual table with 49 points, closely followed by Boca and Rosario Central. The advantage positions him with great possibilities of qualifying by the sum of units, although he also has the option of getting the direct ticket if he wins the Clausura or the Argentine Cup.
Far from the continental exploits that marked the Gallardo era, River now faces a different challenge: rebuilding and competing strongly at the local level, while securing its place in the next edition of the most important tournament in South America. Little taste for the “Millonario” sympathizers.