Copa de la Liga Argentina: Semifinals Preview

The Copa de la Liga Argentina is looking for its two finalists, and four teams are fighting for these slots. On the one hand, Argentinos Juniors and Velez. On the other, Estudiantes de La Plata and Boca Juniors. 

Argentinos have shown an overwhelming dominance since the beginning of the campaign, so they would have a certain favoritism. However, Velez has a young squad hungry for titles. 

Two of the most remarkable teams in Argentine soccer will also be looking for a place in the final. The Pincha won the Copa Argentina in 2022 but wants to continue expanding its trophy cabinet, and Boca comes with air in its shirt after eliminating River Plate in the last instance. 

Copa de la Liga Argentina Semifinals: Argentinos Juniors vs. Vélez

When and Where?

Sunday, April 28, 2:30 pm ET at the Estadio Único de San Nicolás

Moneyline odds: 

Argentinos Jrs. 2.591 

Vélez 2.715

Draw Offs: 

3.06 

Where can I watch it? 

Paramount+  

Argentinos Juniors was one of the most consistent teams in the first phase of Argentine soccer, scoring 26 points with seven wins, five draws, and two defeats. However, in the quarterfinals, it was difficult for them to advance, as they drew 1-1 with Defensa y Justicia, so they had to resort to the penalty shootout, where they won 3-2. Something to highlight about the Bicho is its offensive power, with 26 goals in 16 games, its best scorers being Alan Lescano and Maxi Romero, both with six. 

Velez only scored one point less than its opponent, but its work in the semester has been much more focused on defense, as it has only allowed 14 goals in 15 games. Offensively, they do not have much to highlight, only Braian Romero has four goals. The Liniers team has only lost once in its last 12 outings, winning three of the previous five games. In the quarterfinals, they eliminated Godoy Cruz 2-1, with Romero scoring twice. Elías Gómez saw a red card and will not be available. It is important to remember that, this semester, these clubs already played and drew 0-0 at the José Amalfitani stadium. 

Argentinos Juniors vs. Vélez Betting Pick: Argentinos Juniors

Copa de la Liga Argentina Semifinals: Estudiantes LP vs. Boca Juniors

When and Where?

Tuesday, April 30, 7:00 pm ET at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes

Moneyline odds: 

Estudiantes 2.85 

Boca Juniors 2.484

Draw Offs: 

3.055 

Where can I watch it? 

Paramount+ 

The last time Estudiantes faced Boca Juniors in a semifinal was in 2022 for this same tournament. The Pincha won 3-2, with goals from Guido Carrillo, Mauro Boselli, and Jorge Figal (own goal). In addition, this semester, they already defeated them by 1-0, thanks to Javier Correa. With this favorable record, the team from La Plata wants to eliminate the Xeneize. During the group stage, they finished second in their zone, with 27 points, 19 goals scored, and only nine conceded, maintaining the defensive strength that has stood out in the Eduardo Domínguez era. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Barracas Central 3-0, with Carrillo (2) and Correa scoring the goals.

Boca Juniors achieved the most relevant victory in the Diego Martínez era, eliminating River Plate in the quarterfinals. The final score was 3-2, with a brace by Miguel Merentiel and another goal by Edinson Cavani. The Xeneize have only lost in two of the last ten matches, so we could say they have found their competitive rhythm at the best possible moment. Boca finished fourth in the group stage with 25 points and has in Cavani its best scorer, with six goals so far. 

Estudiantes LP vs. Boca Juniors Betting Pick: Estudiantes