Relegation Battle Heats Up: Argentina's Clausura Tournament Sees Key Results

The third matchday of the 2026 Argentine Football Association (AFA) Clausura Tournament has concluded, with teams battling for survival in the Relegation Table. Sarmiento de Junín secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Independiente Rivadavia de Mendoza, allowing them to gain ground on rivals despite remaining in 28th place. However, Banfield drew 0-0 with Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, keeping Banfield ahead of Sarmiento.

Estudiantes de Río Cuarto continues to occupy the last position with a coefficient of 0.473, largely due to a poor performance in the Apertura tournament. Despite their current standing, the team's prospects could improve significantly if they achieve a series of victories, as they divide points over only one season. This contrasts with teams like Aldosivi de Mar del Plata and Sarmiento, who have accumulated points over more seasons.

Newell's Old Boys dropped to 26th place with a coefficient of 1.097 after drawing 2-2 with Boca Juniors. The Relegation Table considers a club's performance over the last three years or the period they have been in the first division for recently promoted teams.

The 2026 season will see two teams relegated to the Primera Nacional, mirroring the situation in 2026. The second relegation spot is determined by the Annual Table, where Estudiantes de Río Cuarto and Aldosivi are currently at the bottom with equal points but Aldosivi has a worse goal difference. If the last-place team on both tables is the same, the second-to-last team on the Annual Table will be relegated.