Copa Libertadores Qualifying

The other big race this season is for the three at-large spots for the 2010 Copa. Vélez are in as champs of the Clausura 09 and Estudiantes make it in as defending champs without taking one of Argentina’s five spots, giving Argentina six teams this season.

The winner of the Apertura will get another one of the five spots, leaving three spots open. They are awarded to the top three finishers over the past two seasons that are not already qualified by winning the title (or the Copa).

Colón are in with 64 points and Lanús are practically there with 62. All they need is a solitary draw over their final three games, or San Lorenzo not taking full points from each of their final three games and they are in. Hard to imagine that not happening.

Banfield and Newell’s are fighting it out for the title and the third and final spot. Banfield has 58 points to Newell’s 57 and it is increasingly becoming a two horse race for the title, so one of these two figure to automatically qualify as champion and the other get the final spot.

Even if Vélez were to pull out a miracle and win the Apertura, they are already qualified by winning the Clausura so four at-large spots would open up, meaning Banfield and Newell’s would most likely go.

For San Lorenzo, their best hope is that Banfield win the Clausura and they over take Newell´s for the third spot. They are four points behind Newell’s in the standings with three matches to play, and they face Newell’s on the final match day of the season.

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