BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Banfield can become Argentine champion on Sunday for the first time in its 113-year history, needing a victory over Boca Juniors to guarantee the title.
Banfield can even clinch the championship with a loss, provided nearest rival Newell's Old Boys, which is two points behind, fails to win against San Lorenzo.
Banfield and Newell's — both established by English families who emigrated to Argentina — are the only teams that can claim the Apertura title, while big-name clubs like River Plate and Boca are way out of contention.
River Plate has only 18 points from 18 matches, and Boca has 24.
Banfield goes into the match on 41 points, with Newell's on 39. If they finish level on points — the title will be decided in a playoff on Wednesday at a neutral venue.
Both games will start at 7 p.m. local time.
Boca players and officials have promised to field their No. 1 team, not wanting Banfield to celebrate the title in Boca's home stadium, nicknamed "La Bombonera."
"Boca will play all-out because it's a great club and the fans and players don't want us to do the victory celebration in their place," Banfield midfielder Victor Lopez said.
If Newell's finds the net at San Lorenzo, Banfield will feel the tension.
"If we score a goal, Banfield will be under pressure," Newell's midfielder Mauro Formica said. "It's not easy to score in La Bombonera."
Newell's Old Boys have won the title five times, once in 1991 under Marcelo Bielsa, now Chile's national team coach.
In other matches in the final round it will be: Argentinos Juniors vs. Huracan, Lanus vs. Independiente, Racing vs. Chacarita, Tigre vs. River Plate, Velez vs. Rosario Central, Atletico Tucuman vs. Gimnasia, Godoy Cruz vs. Arsenal.
