Year I after Maradona

After just a few weeks off and while the austral summer tightens, Argentina prepares for a new start of championship with Boca and River as favorites and called, this time, Professional League Cup. At first it was tried to be called again Diego Maradona Cup, but due to problems between Diego Armando Maradona's family and his lawyer, it was preferred not to use the name. It will last until May, just before the Copa América.

New format. This year, the 26 teams that will fight to be champions will be divided into two groups of 13 sets each. The teams will play once against those of their same group, adding a total of 12 matches. Also, there will be a interzonal journey, in which we can enjoy a Boca-River. Once the 13 games have been played, the best four from each group will play against those of the opposite in a playoff format, playing quarter-finals, semifinals and final. The winner from this tournament you will get a place in the Libertadores Cup 2022.

Boca and River, The candidates. The russo box will look for a new star after winning the two titles that were disputed in 2020 at the local level: the Argentine Super League and the Diego Maradona Cup. If Boca manages to win the 2021 Professional League Cup, it will achieve for the first time the long-awaited three-time championship. Several teams want to snatch the tournament from Boca, but few are the real candidates. Of course the most important rival is River. Gallardo's team is the best-playing team in the country and has a clear operation. Other clubs seeking to be crowned will be Racing with Pizzi Y San Lorenzo with Dabove. Banfield and Defense and Justice will seek to surprise. In addition, Gago will debut as a coach at Aldosivi and Milito will train Argentinos Juniors.

The best signings. Marcos Rojo to Boca, Schelotto and Lovera to Racing or Palavacino to River are the important names in a market marked by the economic crisis.