Independiente Rivadavia – Union
Independiente Rivadavia rotated their entire starting lineup last weekend, yet still managed a respectable 1-1 draw on the road against Aldosivi after falling behind early. La Lepra closed the group stage at the top of Group B and the overall standings with 34 points, three clear of second-placed Estudiantes. Their consistency has been remarkable, as they are now unbeaten in seven league matches (five wins and two draws), while also winning their last three home games in the Torneo Apertura. Before their round-of-16 clash, Independiente Rivadavia drew 1-1 as hosts against Fluminense FC on Wednesday, May 6, at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas for Matchday 4 of the Copa Libertadores. Unión Santa Fe secured a dramatic 1-1 draw at home against Talleres de Córdoba on Saturday night thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Cristian Tarragona in the fifth minute of added time. In the end, following Monday’s results, that point proved enough to finish eighth in Group A with 21 points—edging Instituto on goal difference—and advance to the playoffs. Despite the qualification, El Tatengue are now winless in their last four league matches (two draws and two defeats). A similar pattern can be seen on the road, where they have collected just two of the last 12 points available. Independiente Rivadavia has been the best team so far in this semester, leading their group easily and also securing a place in the next stage of Copa Libertadores with 2 games left so they should be able to win here and advance against Union who were lucky to advance because other teams couldn’t win in the last round.