Argentine Primera División Opener: Banfield Hosts Huracán, Seeking Strong Start
The 2026 Liga Profesional de Fútbol season is set to kick off with Banfield hosting Huracán in the opening round of the Apertura tournament. This match is crucial for both teams, as they aim for a winning start to the new campaign and to leave behind the struggles of the previous season. A tight, tactically cautious encounter is anticipated.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
The match between Banfield and Huracán marks the opening round of the 2026 Torneo Apertura in Argentina's Liga Profesional de Fútbol. The Argentine top-flight league will feature 30 teams in the 2026 season, which is structured into two tournaments, Apertura and Clausura, each comprising a group stage and playoffs. The top eight teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16. Both clubs are eager for a strong start to the new campaign, aiming to overcome the challenges faced in the 2025 season. Banfield narrowly avoided relegation last year and is particularly motivated to improve their home performance. Huracán, meanwhile, experienced a 'rollercoaster campaign' in 2025. While direct qualification for international competitions like the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana depends on accumulated points and tournament results throughout the season, a positive start is vital for morale.
Recent Form
In their last five official matches, Banfield has shown mixed form, recording two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their most recent competitive outing was a 1-1 away draw against Central Córdoba SdE on November 16, 2025. Prior to that, they suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Aldosivi and secured a 2-1 home victory against Lanus. Huracán, on the other hand, has had a more challenging run, with one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five official matches. Their previous game, on November 17, 2025, ended in a 1-1 away draw against Barracas Central. Before that, they experienced a 0-2 home loss to Newell's Old Boys and a 1-3 away victory over Defensa y Justicia. Historically, Huracán holds an advantage, being unbeaten in their last seven encounters with Banfield, with five wins and two draws, including a 1-0 home victory in their last clash on October 4, 2025.
Key Players & Injury News
For Banfield, key players like Martin Rio, Bruno Sepulveda, and Gonzalo Rios, who have demonstrated goal-scoring ability in the past, will be looked upon to provide an attacking threat in the new season. There are no current significant injury reports for Banfield's key players. For Huracán, center-back Daniel Zabala is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, with his expected return around early January 2026 or late December 2025, making his availability for the season opener uncertain. Midfielder Milton Ríos is also dealing with a peroneus tendon injury, though a specific return date is not provided. Emmanuel Ojeda, who scored for Huracán in their last competitive match, will be a player to watch.