Argentine giants under pressure, surprise champions reset as Clausura starts

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Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group C - Auckland City v Boca Juniors - Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. - June 24, 2025 Boca Juniors coach Miguel Angel Russo reacts REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Boca Juniors and River Plate head into Argentinas Clausura (closing) championship aiming to restore their status at home after painful Club World Cup group-stage exits, while surprise champions Platense defend their title under new leadership.

Despite their historic achievements, Boca and River endured a humbling first half of the season. River finished the Apertura (opening championship) strongly but stumbled in the quarter-finals, losing on penalties to eventual champions Platense.

Their Club World Cup campaign did little to ease pressure on coach Marcelo Gallardo as his side managed only one win, against Japans Urawa Reds, as they failed to reach the knockout stage.

Losing teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid further weakened River and, with no big-name signings yet, the Clausura presents them with an opportunity to regroup.

They will open the campaign with a marquee match-up on Sunday against Platense.

Bitter rivals Bocas outlook is not much brighter.

Under Fernando Gago they showed some consistency but never convinced and a painful 2–1 Clasico defeat by River late in the Apertura proved the final straw as the coach departed.

Bocas Club World Cup journey was equally disappointing, capped by being held to a shock draw by amateur side Auckland City that sealed their group-stage elimination, despite the incredible