The 2026 Apertura Tournament in Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol is rapidly approaching its midpoint, with Date 7 set to unfold across several days beginning Tuesday, February 24th. The schedule features key matchups across both Zone A and Zone B, promising a compelling round of action for fans of Argentine football. This season, officially known as the Torneo Mercado Libre 2026 for sponsorship reasons, continues to showcase the talent and competitive spirit of Argentina’s top-flight clubs.
Currently, CA River Plate leads the league in total market value with an estimated €104.95 million, followed closely by CA Boca Juniors at €89.75 million, according to Transfermarkt data. The league standings are constantly shifting, making each match crucial as teams vie for position ahead of the playoffs. San Lorenzo, with a relatively young squad boasting an average age of 25.35, will be looking to climb the table as the tournament progresses.
Date 7 kicks off on Tuesday with Platense hosting Defensa y Justicia in a Zone A clash, followed by San Lorenzo’s home game against Instituto, also in Zone A. Later that evening, Usina Córdoba will face Talleres, and Belgrano will battle Atlético Tucumán in a Zone B contest. The week continues with a series of matches culminating in a Wednesday, March 4th, showdown between Lanús and Boca.
Date 7 Schedule Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming fixtures, including broadcast information:
- Tuesday, February 24
- 17:00 – Platense vs. Defensa y Justicia (Zone A) – TNT Sports
- 19:15 – San Lorenzo vs. Instituto (Zone A) – ESPN Premium
- 19:45 – Usina Córdoba vs. Talleres (Zone A) – TNT Sports
- 21:30 – Belgrano vs. Atlético Tucumán (Zone B) – ESPN Premium
- 22:00 – Gymnastics (Mza.) vs. Independiente (Zone A) – TNT Sports
- Wednesday, February 25
- 17:00 – Barracas Central vs. Tigre (Zone B) – ESPN Premium
- 17:00 – Gimnasia vs. Rosario Central (Zone B) – TNT Sports
- 19:30 – Vélez vs. Deportivo Riestra (Zone A) – TNT Sports
- 19:30 – Newell’s vs. Estudiantes (Zone A) – ESPN Premium
- Thursday, February 26
- 17:15 – Sarmiento vs. Unión (Interzonal) – TNT Sports
- 17:15 – Racing vs. Independiente Rivadavia Mza. (Zone B) – ESPN Premium
- 19:30 – Estudiantes (Río Cuarto) vs. Huracán (Zone B) – ESPN Premium
- 19:30 – River vs. Banfield (Zone B) – TNT Sports
- Wednesday, March 4
- 21:00 – Lanús vs. Boca (Zone A) – ESPN Premium – To confirm
- Aldosivi vs. Argentinos (Zone B) – ESPN Premium
The fixture between Lanús and Boca on March 4th is currently listed as “To confirm,” indicating potential scheduling adjustments. Fans are advised to check official league sources for the most up-to-date information.
Interzonal Matches Add Complexity
The inclusion of interzonal matches, such as Sarmiento versus Unión on February 26th, adds an intriguing dynamic to the tournament. These contests pit teams from different groups against each other, offering a change of pace and potentially impacting the overall standings. As outlined by the competition format, each team will participate in two inter-zone matches this season.
With the Apertura Tournament well underway, each match carries significant weight as teams strive to secure a favorable position heading into the latter stages of the competition. The upcoming fixtures promise excitement and drama for fans across Argentina, and the league standings are sure to undergo further shifts as Date 7 unfolds. Keep an eye on San Lorenzo as they face Instituto, and the highly anticipated clash between Lanús and Boca on March 4th, pending confirmation.
What are your predictions for Date 7? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Argentine football enthusiasts.
