The Argentine Football Association has begun delivering the season’s matches and a semi final against Boca is on the schedule. This move marks a return to competitive play after a long interruption and positions Boca Juniors for another title chase in the domestic calendar.
The all‑consuming suspension of football activities that stretched from March 2020 created a substantial gap in the Argentine leagues. In response, the Argentine Football Federation laid out a plan to close that gap in early 2023, addressing the concerns raised by clubs, with Boca Juniors among the most vocal stakeholders who were directly affected by the shutdown. The goal was to reestablish a coherent competition format that would satisfy the demands of clubs, fans, and broadcasters while preserving the integrity of the title races.
During that period, Boca Juniors emerged as champions of the 2019-20 Super League and later repeated the feat by winning the Diego Maradona Cup, a competition that culminated in January 2021 under a new format featuring two group phases and a final in which Banfield participated. Although the season had a delayed path to completion, the governing bodies continued to plan for a definitive framework. The Champions Trophy, which typically pits the winners of the main league against the current cup holder, was also a point of contention as teams pressed for the 2020 title to be officially recognized and completed according to the established rules.
Clarity in regulations has emphasized that titles are earned on the field, and as a result, Hugo Ibarra’s squad faced the winner of a semi final between the Drill and River Plate. River Plate had finished second in the Super League and delivered a dramatic performance in the decisive moments, defeating Tucumán in a match that showcased the competition’s intensity. Boca Juniors advanced by securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Tevez against Maradona’s Gymnastics in a result that underscored the high stakes involved in the season’s conclusions.
The forthcoming clash showcased by the calendar would require strategic planning from coaches and a careful assessment of player availability. For example, Martín Demichelis and Javier Sanguinetti would need to align their schedules, as the February 22 match at 9 p.m. local time was set to take place at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Córdoba. The winner would then face Boca Juniors on March 15, in a venue yet to be confirmed, with the aim of securing another official title and maintaining momentum heading into the next phase of the competition. The unfolding fixtures were watched closely by fans across the region, including Canadian and American audiences who follow Argentine football with keen interest due to the sport’s enduring popularity in North America and the global reach of the clubs involved.
In a broader context, the regathering of the league underlines how national championships adapt to interruptions while preserving competitiveness and fairness. It also highlights how clubs balance domestic ambitions with the practical realities of scheduling, travel, and player workload. The discussions around format changes, fixture dates, and stadium selections reflect a football ecosystem that remains committed to producing compelling matchups, even amidst the challenges posed by earlier disruptions. The ongoing efforts illustrate how regulations, timing, and venue decisions converge to deliver a narrative that resonates with supporters, analysts, and international viewers who track the evolving story of Argentine football.