Argentine Soccer league Overhauls 2024 Season with Two-Cup Format
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Argentine soccer is shaking things up for the 2024 season, ditching the traditional single league format in favor of two separate Copa de la Liga Profesional tournaments. This critically important change, announced following a recent AFA (Argentine Football Association) assembly, aims to better accommodate the congested international soccer calendar, including FIFA dates, the Club world Cup, and domestic elections.
The new structure will see 30 teams divided into two groups of 15, battling it out in a round-robin format within their respective groups. Each team will play 14 matches against fellow group members. Adding to the excitement, each team will also face its traditional rival from the opposing group, plus an additional inter-zonal match resolute by a draw. This guarantees a minimum of 16 matches for each team before the knockout stages begin.
This innovative format, while designed to optimize scheduling, will inevitably lead to some high-profile match-ups being missed. For example,fans will miss out on some classic rivalries like Boca Juniors versus San Lorenzo,or River Plate against Racing Club,during parts of the season. This represents a significant departure from tradition, and some fans are expressing concerns.
Groupings and Initial Matchups Unveiled
Following the AFA committee meeting, which notably included the debut of Diego Milito (former Racing Club star) on the committee, the group assignments and initial match schedule were released. The competition is set to kick off the last weekend of January.
Group A
- Argentinos Juniors
- Aldosivi
- Central Córdoba
- Banfield
- Barracas Central
- Belgrano
- Boca Juniors
- Defensa y Justicia
- Estudiantes LP
- Independiente Rivadavia
- Huracán
- Racing Club
- Unión
- newell’s Old Boys
- Tigre
Group B
- Platense
- San Martín SJ
- Atlético Tucumán
- Lanús
- Sarmiento
- Talleres
- River Plate
- Riestra
- Gimnasia
- Godoy Cruz
- San Lorenzo
- Independiente
- Instituto
- Rosario Central
- Vélez Sarsfield
First Round Matchups
Group A: Boca Juniors vs. Argentinos Juniors; Estudiantes LP vs. Unión; Belgrano vs. Huracán; Barracas Central vs. Racing Club; Newell’s Old Boys vs. Independiente Rivadavia; Defensa y Justicia vs. Banfield; Central Córdoba vs. Aldosivi.
Group B: Platense vs. River Plate; Instituto vs. Gimnasia LP; San Lorenzo vs. Talleres; Independiente vs. Sarmiento; Godoy Cruz vs. Rosario Central; Lanús vs. Riestra; San Martín SJ vs. Atlético Tucumán.
Inter-zonal: Tigre vs. Vélez Sarsfield
The 2024 Argentine soccer season promises to be a thrilling ride with this new, dynamic format. The changes reflect a global trend in adapting to the demands of the modern soccer calendar, a trend mirrored in leagues around the world.
Argentine Soccer Embraces Drastic Format Change for 2024
Argentine soccer is undergoing a major transformation for the 2024 season, abandoning its customary single league format in favor of two copa de la Liga Profesional tournaments.This notable change, announced by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), is designed to better navigate the increasingly congested international soccer calendar.
A Conversation with Alejandro Gómez: Reconciling Tradition and Modernity in Argentine Soccer
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: Joining us today is Alejandro Gómez, a renowned Argentine football analyst and commentator. Alejandro, thanks for taking the time to discuss these significant changes to the Argentine league.
Alejandro Gómez: Thank you for having me. ItS certainly a dramatic shift for Argentine soccer, and there’s a lot to unpack.
The Two-Cup Format: A Necessary Evolution?
Senior Editor: Many fans have expressed surprise at the AFA’s decision to move away from the traditional single league format. Can you shed some light on the reasoning behind this change?
Alejandro Gómez: It’s true that this is a departure from what we’re accustomed to, but the reality is that the international soccer calendar is becoming increasingly packed. We have FIFA dates, the Club world Cup, domestic elections – all vying for space. The old format simply couldn’t accommodate everything without straining players and clubs alike.this new two-cup system allows for more versatility.
Impact on Rivalries and Fan experience
Senior Editor: some fans are concerned that this new format will disrupt classic rivalries,as some fixtures might not occur during the regular season. How do you see this playing out?
Alejandro Gómez: it’s a valid concern. Yes, we might see some iconic matchups happen less frequently.tituted the traditional rectangle, citing that the innovation “makes interactions with the space right from the start more natural.” It narrowly prevailed by a vote of 203-197.
The games were quite lively; attendees cheerfully interacted with the space. Many who celebrated the decision admonished their older “square boxes” counterparts, stating the new concept created a more welcoming atmosphere and encouraged a better flow between individuals.
Created: 5/24/2023
Modified: 5/24/2023
