Feb 20 • 11:03 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

The Paradox of Estudiantes: If the Champion Loses Its Figures and the Coach... What Is Left for the Others?

Estudiantes, the defending champion in the Argentine league, faces a troubling dilemma as it loses key players and its coach, raising concerns about the future of the team and the competitiveness of the league.

Estudiantes, the defending champion of the Argentine Primera División, is dealing with significant losses just before the tournament's sixth round. The team's captain and several star players, including Ascacibar, Gómez, and Medina, have been sold, and coach Eduardo Domínguez has also departed. With further potential exits looming, questions arise about the state and future of the team that previously held the title.

The situation is reflective of larger economic realities within Argentine football, where clubs often face pressure to sell key talent due to financial constraints. The AFA's compensation incentives are inadequate for most clubs, prompting many to prioritize short-term revenues over long-term stability. The narrative is becoming increasingly common in a league where teams like Estudiantes must grapple with losing their core assets.

The paradox in the Professional League now centers around how Estudiantes, having significantly weakened its roster, will compete effectively. Other teams are left pondering their own aspirations: if the champions are unable to maintain their strength, what does that mean for teams with less prestige and resources? This scenario poses a challenge for the league's integrity and competitive balance in upcoming matches.

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