The 2026 Apertura Tournament is showcasing clear trends as River Plate continues its winning streak, further solidified by their recent 2-0 victory over Sarmiento de Junín. Under the management of Eduardo Coudet, River has managed to pull ahead of their rivals, creating a three-point gap over Boca Juniors, who could only manage a draw against Unión in Santa Fe. This shift in the standings is crucial since the annual table will ultimately determine qualification for the international cups of 2027.

The tournament features two different zones, each contributing to the selection of the best eight teams for the Playoffs that will compete for the championship title. Current leaders in their respective zones include Vélez in Zone A and Independiente Rivadavia from Mendoza in Zone B. Independiente Rivadavia achieved a dramatic win against Gimnasia in La Plata to climb the rankings, surpassing Belgrano, who drew in the Córdoba derby against Talleres.

Beyond the immediate standings, the annual tournament holds great significance as it not only declares the league champion but also determines which teams qualify for international competitions as well as the potential relegation of one team to the Primera Nacional. Thus, as the tournament progresses with just 16 matches played, the implications for the teams involved extend far beyond mere wins and losses in the coming weeks.