How the Professional League is defined if it ends up with more teams in first position: what variants does the regulation propose

The circle that encloses the teams with the possibility of fighting until the last appointment, has three teams. The same ones who got on the podium alternating on the last two dates: Atletico Tucumán, Gym Y Mouth. The difference between the three could – hypothetically – remain until the end even with a scheduled clash between the team of La Plata and Xeneize.

With the 21 points up for grabs, that circle can be expanded to encompass five other teams that have a difference to close in no more than three games. Hence, the chances of a tie that cannot determine the champion. What would happen then?

The answer is in the fifth chapter of the rules of the current Professional Football League (LPF) tournament: the champion will be determined in playoff matches. In the event that two teams are involved, on a neutral field up to 72 hours after the last contested date and with an additional 30 minutes if the difference is not made within 90 minutes. If after the additional half hour, divided into two times of 15, there is no winner, it will be defined by the penalties.

Now, if there are more than two teams tied for points, the amount in question they will face each other on neutral ground, in an order to be issued by drawing lots. If at the end of these matches the tie-break does not occur, then it will be necessary to resort to article 111 of the general regulations of the AFA, which in paragraph B of point 2 brings into play the goal difference of the games played between the tied teams in the mini-tournament.

“If the position is not defined after the games (tiebreaker) have been played, it will be in favor of the team that has recorded the most points or the highest goal difference or the most goals in favor, counting only the games played among those tied in the respective game. This procedure will be repeated as many times as necessary ”, clarifies the point in question.

But the first position is not the only one that can require a tie-break, since the general classification offers places for the Libertadores and Sudamericana cups organized by Conmebol, in addition to those of the Media, determine the descents. What happens anyway?

If at the final table two or more teams occupy the same position, except for the first classified, goal difference will play an important role. Whoever has the most goals in favor will win the tug-of-war. If this is the case, the difference is not determined, the result of the clash between the two in the regular phase will weigh. “In the event that the equality mentioned here exists, a draw will be held between the clubs involved”, details the rules.

And with the descent? In fact, if there are – there is a current of leaders who intend to abolish them for the tournament in dispute -, the current regulation provides for two for those who have the worst average points in the last three seasons, the playoff games will be played with the same procedure. to be defined by the sample.

Who could be involved in the play-offs?

With a podium formed by Atlético Tucumán, Gimnasia and Boca separated by a single game and pursuers able to narrow the difference on two dates, there are five other teams that enter the final race to fight for the definition. Some who today seem to be further away, have duels in the game against those who also compete with the same goal.

Atlético have the road to Racing for appointment 24. Gymnastics still have to face Boca in the 23rd – which also plays with Godoy Cruz in the 21st – and Argentinos in the 26th. El Bicho also has Huracán coming , in 24 and River, in 22. Gallardo’s team will also face Gago’s Academy in the last tournament.

If the tie-break scenario occurs, it will be a headache for clubs who will have to give up players for the teams that will play the Qatar 2022 World Cup.