Despite the AFA’s best attempt to ruin Argentine top flight football with a 30-team league, the first half of the 2015 season was largely enjoyable. The traditional ‘Big Five’ (barring Independiente) appear to have wrestled back their grip but are still being pushed by a couple of surprise contenders in Rosario Central and Belgrano. Obviously promoting ten teams has also brought with it some pretty awful football and some real mismatches and the relegation picture is fairly clear. However, with the top six separated by just five points we are in store for a thrilling title race over the coming few months. Oh and in case you missed it, there was a rather significant signing made, but we will get to that in a little while. For now here is the run down of who has been doing what and what can be expected in the second half of the season.
San Lorenzo de Almagro
League position: 1st
After a deeply disappointing run during the Torneo Transición, a less than convincing start this season and an early exit from the Copa Libertadores, things didn’t look too good for Edgardo Bauza. However, at the half way point El Ciclón find themselves top and with the best defence in the league they are ideally placed to seriously challenge for the title.
Transfers: Not the busiest of windows for San Lorenzo but Sebastián Blanco will remain at the club on loan and other than Colombian keeper Alvaro Montero arriving, the only other arrivals are returning loan players, like Nico Blandi. Vice-president, Marcelo Tinelli was furious after negotiating for Banfield’s Nico Bertolo only to see the player opt for River but they continue to try and tempt Uruguayan Cebolla Rodríguez to leave Europe.
Juan Ignacio Cavallero has been the only departure so far, going on loan to Liga de Quito but Enzo Kalinski and Pitu Barrientos are still being linked away.
Friendlies: A thumping 5-0 win against lower league opposition during their camp in Salta has been followed up by draws with Temperley and Defensa y Justicia and a 3-1 win against Estudiantes. Blandi, on his return, has netted in two of these matches.
Boca Juniors
League position: 2nd
It has been a pretty eventful six months in La Bombonera, even by Boca’s standards. The appalling “pepper-spray” incident in the superclásico saw Boca booted out of the Copa Libertadores and despite suffering from a slight hangover in the aftermath, they are right in the hunt for the title. Dani Osvaldo’s loan has expired but they have replaced him pretty well with a certain Carlos Tevez. If his signing proves as successful as expected, Boca are title favourites.
Transfers: As already mentioned the arrival of Carlos Tevez is the big one, not just for Boca but for Argentine football. The deal saw highly rated youngster Guido Vadalá go to Turin but given his lack of first-team action this will not weaken them in the short-term.
Former Vélez defender, Fernando Tobio arrived from Palmeiras but otherwise the only action was outgoing. Dani Osvaldo opted against staying in Buenos Aires and Guillermo Burdisso, Marco Torsiglieri, Emanuel Tripodi and Federico Bravo all departed. There is still talk of Jonathan Calleri making a switch to Europe but at present he will remain.
Friendlies: Boca’s US tour did not provide them with much of a test. Comfortable wins over Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale before a 1-0 win over Saprissa in Costa Rica. The star man in all three matches was Jonathan Calleri, netting in all three matches.
Racing Club
League Position: 3rd
Despite the bitter disappointment of going out of the Copa Libertadores, Racing have not lost in the Primera since the opening day and given that as we speak there have been no meaningful departures, Racing are very much in the mix for the title. As when they lifted the Transición the success is built on a solid defence but with the partnership of Milito and Bou they always carry a threat in attack.
Transfers: Ricardo Noir and Mariano Pavone arrive in Avellaneda and there is an agreement with Benfica for Luis Fariña to return on loan but the club must sell first.
The big loss was not a transfer but the drug testing scandal of Brian Fernández – the youngster has been “enjoying” himself off the pitch and will now be suspended. Otherwise Facundo Castro and Facundo Castillón left on-loan but the big one will be keeping Bou for another six months.
Friendlies: Wins against Lanús and Banfield and a draw with Olimpo.
Club Atlético River Plate
League Position: 4th
At least for the next few weeks River’s priority will be the Copa Libertadores with their semi-final just a week away. Marcelo Gallardo’s side have not been at their fluent best over the first half of the season but have successfully balanced progression in the Libertadores with a title challenge.
Transfers: It has been a pretty busy period for River and like Boca they too have seen some old faces return. Javier Saviola and Lucho González have arrived in addition to Uruguayan Tabaré Viudez, Nicolás Bertolo and Lucas Alario.
There have been plenty through the exit door too at the Monumental: Germán Pezzella to Real Betis, Rodrigo Mora to Al Nassr (although after the Libertadores), Ariel Rojas to Cruz Azul and Gio Simeone on loan to Banfield. Matías Kranevitter has perhaps agreed a move to Atlético Madrid for the end of the year but the big one could be the departure of Teo Gutiérrez after the Colombian stated he wanted out.
Friendlies: River’s season has actually already begun – a Copa Argentina defeat to Rosario Central was made worse by an injury to new signing Bertolo and this week they drew with Tigre to miss the chance to go top.
Rosario Central
League position: 5th
The first half of the season was a huge success for Central and Eduardo Coudet made his first steps in management like an old pro. After a flawless start they trailed off and drew far too many matches but in Marco Ruben and Franco Cervi they have a couple of match winners.
A league title would be a massive shock but if Central could keep up with the pace it would still be a fantastic achievement.
Transfers: Experienced full-back Javier Pinola has arrived from Nuremburg but so far no one else has joined him.
Sporting Lisbon are sniffing around Franco Cervi but if Central are to keep up their form they must hold on to the youngster. Walter Acuña has gone to Olimpo on-loan.
Friendlies: The season has already begun thanks to a morale-boosting win over River in the Copa Argentina.
Club Atlético Belgrano
League position: 6th
Ricardo Zielinski has certainly improved the inconsistency that plagued his side during the Transición and they sit in sixth as something of a surprise package. Several changes at the start of the season left Belgrano as a little of an unknown quantity but Mauro Obolo, Lucas Zelarayán and Emiliano Rigoni have been excellent and the defence has given them a solid platform.
Transfers: Very little activity but Luciano Becchio returns from his career in England. There is not much else to report except Esteban González retired to join the coaching staff Nicolás Ferreyra went to San Marcos de Arica.
Friendlies: A goalless draw with Arsenal and a 1-0 win over Mauro Obolo.
Club Atlético Tigre
League position: 7th
Under Gustavo Alfaro Tigre have become a very tough side to beat and deservedly sit up in seventh having only lost three times. With their season already underway because of the rearranged match with River, Tigre look just as resolute and so they can probably expect a top ten finish.
Transfers: Federico González came in on a free but otherwise there are a bunch of possible loan signings still being discussed (Tomás Martínez of River and Nico Blandi of San Lorenzo). Marcelo Larrondo and Facundo Bertoglio have left after their loan deals expired.
Preseason: A 1-0 win over Olimpo has since been followed by a goalless draw against River in the league.
Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata
League position: 8th
The loss of goalkeeper Fernando Monetti is certainly seen Gimnasia leak more goals than they did during the Transición but they remain well placed in the Primera. Climbing much above 8th looks unlikely but it would be a decent enough finish.
Transfers: Facundo Oreja and Osvaldo Barsottini agreed contract extensions and Pablo Vegetti went on-loan to Colón. There are still rumours of other incomings and outgoings but nothing concrete yet.
Friendlies: A mixed bag – a goalless draw with Quilmes, a 1-1 draw with Lanús and a 1-0 defeat to Defensa y Justicia.
Newell’s Old Boys
League position: 9th
The appointment of Tolo Gallego did not work and so once again Newell’s are with a new manager at the start of this half season. Former player Lucas Bernardi takes up his first coaching job and will look to push the side on after a somewhat frustrating first half of the season. More goals needed and less of a reliance on Maxi Rodriguez would be a good start.
Transfers: Only the talented Lucas Mugni is confirmed so far but Newell’s are still being linked with a vast number of players. Mauro Formica is the closest.
No major exits but Milton Casco is being closely watched by River and Boca – Newell’s will not want to lose him.
Friendlies: Wins against Rafaela and O’Higgins but a defeat against Unión.
Club Estudiantes de La Plata
League position: 10th
Since Gabi Milito took over as manager Estudiantes have shown little change in that they are still very unpredictable. Unfortunately the main story for El Pincha is another big money exit. Influential centre-forward Guido Carrillo traded La Plata for Monaco and although the club are $10 million better off they are now light in attack.
Transfers: Carrillo leaving for France is not the only departure after Román Martínez decided not to renew his contract and signed for Lanús. Independiente are trying to snatch Diego Vera but in Carrillo’s absence he could be vital.
The main target is José Sosa but negotiations with Besiktas are proving complicated.
Friendlies: 1-1 vs Estudiantes de San Luis; 1-0 win vs Villa San Carlos and a 3-1 defeat to San Lorenzo.
Club Atlético Unión
League position: 11th
After a very impressive first half of the season it is difficult to see Unión maintaining such levels of performance. With the goals of Enrique Triverio, Victor Malcorra and Lucas Gamba they are set apart from the other newly promoted sides but Triverio’s departure to Mexico will be felt.
Transfers: Triverio’s transfer to Toluca is the big story here and aside from Facundo Castro and Facundo Affranchino arriving on-loan there isn’t a great deal else going on.
Friendlies: Victories over O’Higgins and Newell’s with Malcorra and Gamba both on target. They will be crucial.
Club Atlético Banfield
League position: 12th
As ever Matías Almeyda’s side are easy on the eye but consistently inconsistent. A decent run of four straight wins in the middle of the first season saw them climb the table but as quickly as the good form came it disappeared. With a few changes to the side ahead of the second half, Banfield will probably be looking to sit around the same position.
Transfers: Nicolás Bertolo to River and Ricardo Noir to Racing are two losses but the loan signing of Gio Simeone is an interesting one. The youngster scores regularly for the Argentina under-20s but must now do it in the Primera. Facundo Castillón also came in on-loan from Racing.
Friendlies: A 1-0 win over Argentinos and a 2-1 defeat to Racing.
Club Atlético Lanús
League position: 13th
After so many good players moving away it is not too much of a surprise to see Lanús failing to mount the type of challenge they have done previously. With a couple of useful signings, Guillermo Barros Schelotto will be hoping for an improved second half to the season.
Transfers: The experienced Román Martínez will replace the loss of Jorge Ortiz, who signed for Independiente and in attack Denis Stracqualursi has come in to hopefully add some goals. Sebastián Leto will be like a new signing after coming in at the start of the season but missing the whole first half after his bizarre training accident. Alejandro Silva left for Paraguay and although there is interest from abroad in Lucas Melano the young striker stays put for now.
Friendlies: A 2-1 defeat before two 1-1 draws with Gimnasia and Temperley (Melano on target in both)
Club Atlético Aldosivi
League position: 14th
They may have just sneaked up into the Primera but they are holding their own and at present will be thrilled just to do exactly the same in the second half. Despite the league position simply avoiding relegation is the only goal.
Transfers: Virtually nothing to report; no one in and César Carranza the only out.
Friendlies: A 2-0 win over Kimberley de Mar del Plata
Argentinos Juniors
League position: 15th
Los Bichos would most likely have taken this position at the start of the season. Nestor Gorosito has a young side and so their inconsistency is perhaps expected. Midtable would be a good finish for Argentinos who must ensure they are not dragged into the relegation fight.
Transfers: Plenty of interest but as yet no one through the door except more youngsters promoted to the first team squad (Leonel Mosevich, Alexis Salinas, Esteban Rolón and Nahuel Rodríguez). A few names leaving but the main concern will be Gaspar Iñíguez wanting out.
Friendlies: 2-0 win vs Juventud Unida; 1-0 loss vs Banfield; 1-1 draw vs Almagro
Club Atlético Independiente
League position: 16th
Perhaps victims of their own success in the Transición the bar was set far too high by the club and when performances on the pitch suffered Jorge Almirón’s position as manager eventually became impossible. Now with Mauricio Pellegrino in charge it is a fresh start and El Rojo must start moving up the table. The defence has remained an issue and in this half of the season the club will also need to juggle the Copa Sudamericana.
Transfers: Linked with an incredible number of new players to vast to mention the only confirmed so far is Jorge Ortiz from Lanús although defender Hernán Pellerano is reportedly close. Captain Fede Mancuello has obviously played his last game for the club but any confirmed deal with Celta Vigo or Dnipro is yet to be confirmed. Cristian Tula and Gabriel Valles’ found their contracts not renewed and Gabriel Graciani switched to Rafaela
Friendlies: A 1-0 win over Libertad was followed by a 2-0 win over Vélez and a draw with Sarmiento.
San Martín de San Juan
League position: 17th
More of the same will be the message to San Martín, after making themselves a pretty difficult side to beat in the first half of the season. Only twice have they failed to score and if they maintain the same kind of form they will comfortably avoid the drop.
Transfers: Matías Fissore and Daniel González have come in and Mauro Bogado, Ramiro López, Maxi Bustos and Facundo Pumpido have all left.
Friendlies: A pair of 2-0 wins against San Martín de Rodeo and Sportivo Del Bono.
Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield
League position: 18th
Miguel Ángel Russo has been unable to really improve Vélez a great deal given the limited resources available and with Mariano Pavone now gone they might struggle even more. It is really difficult to see where the goals are going to come from.
Transfers: Pavone opting to sign for Racing at the end of his deal is a blow, Sebastián Sosa and Ariel Cabral have rescinded contracts but Iván Bella and Damián Pérez have come in.
Friendlies: 3 matches and 3 defeats – 2-1 vs Melgar, 2-o vs Independiente, 3-1 vs Atlético Nacional
Club Atlético Sarmiento
League position: 19th
The target is to stay up and at present they look on course to do that. However a very difficult run of fixtures at the start of this second half might just see them plummet and find themselves in the thick of the relegation fight.
Transfers: Maximiliano Caire arrives with Diego Chaves and Alexis Niz while Franco Coria did not renew his contract.
Friendlies: 1-0 win against Juventud Unida Universitario; 0-0 vs Jorge Newbery de Villa Mercedes; 3-1 vs Estudiantes de San Luis; 1-1 vs Independiente
Club Atlético Temperley
League position: 20th
Safe for the moment but looking over their shoulders ahead of the second half to the season. Will certainly need to avoid defeats on a handful of occasions to be safe.
Transfers: Alejandro Frezzotti arrived from Barcelona de Guayaquil, Abel Peralta from Independiente Rivadavia de Mendoza and Luis López returned from loan. No noteable departures but there has been interest in Fabián Sambuenza and Temperley will not want to lose him.
Preseason: 2-1 win vs Gimnasia y Tiro de Salta; 2-0 win vs Mitre de Salta; 0-0 vs San Lorenzo; 1-1 vs Lanús
Club Atlético Colón
League position: 21st
Having only lost four times this season, Colón haven’t been particularly exciting but they have shown a resolve that should keep them in the Primera. Sitting a little above any immediate danger, Colón should be safe.
Transfers: The big loss is Lucas Alario who left for River and his influence in attack will need to be replaced. Facundo Callejo, Ismael Benegas and Pablo Vegetti all came in.
Friendlies: A 1-1 draw with O’Higgins and a 1-0 defeat to Rafaela.
Godoy Cruz
League position: 22nd
Godoy Cruz are not leaking as many goals as they were in the Transición but they are now struggling to hit the net as regularly. They are still fairly comfortably away from the relegation spots but any significant improvement is unlikely.
Transfers: IN – Gonzalo Díaz, Gabriel Vallés, Danilo Ortiz close to completing a loan deal OUT – Ivan Bella, Federico Lértola, Leandro Caruso
Friendlies: 0-0 vs Huracán de Las Heras; 4-0 win vs Deportivo Guaymallén, 3-0 win vs Huracán Las Heras (Mendoza)
Quilmes Atlético Club
League position: 23rd
Appalling during the Transición and a shade better over the first half of 2015 so still in a spot of bother. Improvements are needed because although there are more likely candidates for the drop, Quilmes are in danger.
Transfers: Diego Buonanotte short spell ended before it really began but other than that there isn’t a great deal of news. Oscar Vaca, Franco Pedraza and Arnaldo González all came in.
Friendlies: 0-0 with Gimnasia and a 1-0 win against Arsenal.
Club Atlético Huracán
League position: 24th
Real improvement needed for Huracán after a woeful first half of the season leaves El Globo as the real surprise amongst the relegation candidates. The Libertadores undoubtedly distracted them in the opening weeks but now with full focus on the Primera, wins are needed.
Transfers: Lots of talk in both directions but not much that is concrete. Holding on to Wanchope Abila despite interest is important.
Friendlies: Lost 4-2 against Olimpo and 1-0 against Arsenal.
Crucero del Norte
League position: 25th
Shouldn’t really be in the Primera and look destined to go straight back down. Any success has come at home on their lush playing surface but they have lost every game on the road. With a really tricky fixture list they looked doomed.
Transfers: Adrián Alegre in and Diego Calgaro out
Friendlies: Lost 1-0 to Nacional
Atlético de Rafaela
League position: 26th
La Crema should avoid being truly dragged into the relegation battle but having won only twice in the first half of the season it is easy to see their issues. Lucas Albertengo’s goals were never replaced and so they do not have the teeth to hurt teams.
Transfers: Gabriel Graciani from Independiente and Sebastián Martínez from Newell’s should strengthen the first team pool but there were some departures too. Federico González, Alexis Niz and Rodrigo Depetris didn’t renew their contracts and Matías Fissore left for San Martín. Guillermo Pol Fernández rescinded his deal.
Friendlies: Lost 2-1 to Newell’s; 1-0 win vs Libertad de Sunchales; 1-0 win against Colón.
Defensa y Justicia
League position: 27th
One of the few sides that did not come up in the bumper promotion season to face relegation danger. Defensa y Justicia need a few wins to keep their head above water.
Transfers: IN – Rafael Delgado (Estudiantes), Emiliano Romero (Everton) OUT – Walter Acevedo and Gonzalo Cabrera – Estudiantes are closing on Ciro Rius and that would be another blow.
Friendlies: 1-1 vs. San Martín de Burzaco, 2-0 win vs UAI Urquiza, 1-1 vs San Lorenzo, 1-0 win vs Gimnasia de la Plata
Olimpo de Bahía Blanca
League position: 28th
Another side that were dreadful before 2015 and have continued that form into this season. Only one win so far, at the very least the home form must get back to how it was a couple of seasons ago.
Transfers: Walter Acuña has come in on-loan from Rosario Central and there have been a few players leave at the end of contracts – nothing to note.
Friendlies: Won 4-2 vs Huracán; lost 2-1 vs Tigre;drew 1-1 vs. Racing
Arsenal de Sarandí
League position: 29th
You can tell Arsenal are in trouble because they hired Caruso Lombardi. They have now won one match but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Relegation is not really a threat given only two are going down.
Transfers: It’s Caruso so there are all many of free-agents arriving. Frankly I can’t be bothered to list them.
Preseason: 1-0 win vs Huracán; 0-0 vs Belgrano; 1-0 loss vs Quilmes.
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