Talleres vs Platense
Talleres took a huge step forward in their fight to stay in the top flight last Saturday, when they defeated Vélez Sarsfield 1-0 away thanks to a goal from Mateo Cáceres early in the second half. La T have lost just one of their last seven league matches (three wins and three draws), a strong run that has moved them three points clear of the relegation zone in the aggregate table. Moreover, almost unintentionally while chasing that goal, they have climbed into the playoff spots of the Torneo Clausura with 17 points in Group B.
Following the departure of coach Cristian González, Platense’s struggles have continued. Last Monday, the team could only manage a 1-1 home draw against Sarmiento, thanks to a 91st-minute goal from Ronaldo Martínez (under Guillermo Báez and Hernán Lamberti as interim bosses). As a result, the defending champions have now gone seven league matches without a win (three draws and four defeats) and have collected just 12 points from 14 rounds in the Torneo Clausura. This run has all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs — their only remaining objective, as they’ve already secured a Copa Libertadores berth as winners of the Torneo Apertura. Away from home, Platense have lost their last four league games.
Talleres are back alive after last week’s win, they are now in a playoff spot and could confirm it if they win here. Platense has nothing to play for in this last two games: they have no chance to go to the playoffs, they already won the last championship and qualified to Copa Libertadores so it was their best year ever and it’s hard to think they will find any motivation before the summer holidays that will start for them in a week.