The finalists in both the Reduced and one of the two relegation spots will be decided on the final day of action in the second category.
Regardless of how the format evolves or the number of teams taking part, the First National remains a thrilling climax, with schedule spanning more than 37 rounds in Zone A and 33 in Zone B. When the curtain falls, almost everything is at stake: finalists for the first promotion, the teams vying for the Reduced places in the second division, and one of the two relegation spots.
The competition level is so balanced that each group’s matches are played concurrently: the nine matches in Zone B will be held on Sunday, October 15 starting at 3:30 PM, while the nine matches in Zone A unfold at the same time on Monday, October 16.
GOAL Summaries all the scenarios and the weekend’s schedule for the final date are outlined below.
FINALISTS FOR THE FIRST PROMOTION
The champion of the 2023 season in the second tier of Argentine football will be decided in a one-match showdown on October 28 at a neutral venue, with the winners from each zone contesting the title.
In Zone A, three clubs still have a legitimate shot. Although Estudiantes de Río Cuarto sits in fourth, mathematical possibilities remain, provided a seven-goal swing is achieved. The lead belongs to Agropecuario and Almirante Brown, both on 58 points, but the tiebreak advantage goes to the team from Carlos Casares with a +10 goal difference, ahead of the Frigate on +4, which becomes decisive under Article 112 of the General Regulations of AFA Competitions. San Martin de Tucumán sits close behind at 56 with a +15.
Zone B presents a similar picture, with Chacarita on 66 points and a +25, Independiente Rivadavia on 65 with +17, and Deportivo Maipú at 63 with +16, effectively leaving little doubt about the top contenders.
REDUCED BY THE SECOND PROMOTION
The path to the Professional League’s second chance unfolds through a tournament that includes teams finishing from second to eighth, plus the loser of the final for the first promotion.
In Zone A, two of the three teams outside the first place are already assured spots. Río Cuarto’s Students (55), Temperley (53), and Deportivo Morón (53) have secured positions, while five clubs battle for the last two berths: San Martín de San Juan (52), Defensores de Belgrano (50), Gimnasia de Mendoza (50), Güemes de Santiago del Estero (50), and Nueva Chicago (49).
Zone B presents a clearer picture because of the gap between the eighth and ninth places. Alongside Chacarita or Independiente Rivadavia, Deportivo Maipú, Quilmes, Atlético Rafaela, Miter de Santiago del Estero, and Ferro vie for the remaining spots. Deportivo Riestra sits with 47 points (+5), while Brown from Adrogué has +2 and Jujuy Gymnastics trails with -3, all on 44 points.
DESCENTS TO THE FIRST B METRO AND THE FEDERAL A
On the relegation front, one spot is already decided: Villa Dálmine faces a tough campaign in Zone B and trails the penultimate team by 11 points, practically condemning them to a potential tiebreak to avoid the third relegation, three points behind Aldosivi.
Since then, Zone A’s battles have tightened. Flandria sits last with 33, San Telmo is at 34, while Almagro holds 37. If teams end with equal points, a playoff will determine the fate since goal difference is not used as a tiebreaker in this context.
THE FINAL MATCHDAY LINEUP
ZONE A – DATE 38 – All games are scheduled for Monday, October 16 at 3:30 PM.
- Supervisory Board – Agriculture
- Admiral Brown – Temperley
- Defenders of Belgrano – San Martín de Tucumán
- Río Cuarto Students – Nueva Chicago
- Gimnasia de Mendoza – Brown de Puerto Madryn
- Alvarado – United Defenders of Zárate
- Guemes from Santiago del Estero – Almagro
- Deportivo Morón – San Telmo
- Flandria – San Martín de San Juan
ZONE B – DATE 34 – All matches are set for Sunday, October 15 at 3:30 PM.
- Atlético Rafaela – Chacarita
- Deportivo Maipú – Independiente Rivadavia
- Quilmes – Racing de Córdoba
- Ferro – Aldosivi
- Jujuy Gymnastics – Deportivo Riestra
- Brown from Adrogué – Atlanta
- Students of Buenos Aires – Tristan Suárez
- Deportivo Madryn – Miter de Santiago del Estero
- Villa Dalmine – Chaco Forever
Note: The details above reflect the situation as of the final round and are presented for clarity and planning purposes .