Argentine Liga Profesional Kick-off: Instituto de Cordoba Hosts Velez Sarsfield Seeking Strong Start
As the 2026 Argentine Liga Profesional de Fútbol season commences, Instituto de Cordoba will host Velez Sarsfield, with both teams eager to kick off the new campaign on a positive note. This early-season Primera División clash will set the tone for both sides, especially after a disappointing 2025 campaign, as they look to reverse their fortunes and achieve better results.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
The 2026 Argentine Liga Profesional de Fútbol season began on January 22, 2026, and will consist of two tournaments: Torneo Apertura and Torneo Clausura. The format includes two groups of fifteen teams, playing a single round-robin, supplemented by inter-zone matches. The top eight teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. Qualification for international tournaments like the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana is determined by the overall standings and the winners of the Apertura and Clausura. Relegation is based on an averaging system and the last-placed team in the aggregate table. This match is an early fixture in the Torneo Apertura, and both Instituto de Cordoba and Velez Sarsfield are looking to rebound after a 'disappointing 2025 campaign'. A strong start in this match is crucial for both sides to set a positive tone for the entire season.
Recent Form
Instituto de Cordoba concluded the 2025 season in mid-table, a position reflecting their solid defensive work but limited offensive output. In their last five official matches of 2025, they recorded one win, one draw, and three defeats, with their final game being a 0-0 draw against Talleres on November 16, 2025. Velez Sarsfield endured a difficult 2025 season, missing out on international qualification and struggling for consistency. They also managed one win, one draw, and three defeats in their last five official matches, notably failing to score in all five of those encounters. Their last match was a 0-2 loss to Argentinos Juniors on November 22, 2025. In their last five head-to-head meetings, both teams have secured two wins each, with one draw. Their most recent encounter, on July 26, 2025, ended in a goalless draw.
Key Players & Injury News
For Instituto de Cordoba, players such as defender Fernando Rubén Alarcón, midfielder Alex Nahuel Luna, and veteran forward Silvio Romero are expected to be key figures in the new season. On the Velez Sarsfield side, goalkeeper Tomás Marchiori, defender Emanuel Mammana, captain Agustín Bouzat, and striker Braian Romero will form the backbone of the team. As the season is just beginning, specific injury reports and the integration of new transfers will become clearer closer to match day. Both teams will rely on their core squads and emerging talents to navigate the challenges of the new season.