Estudiantes and Gimnasia La Plata won their respective Round of 16 matches in the Torneo Clausura and advanced to the quarter-finals, where the dream of a possible semi-final showdown between the two is beginning to take shape. According to information reported to the Argentine News Agency, the playoff bracket allows for this chance, provided both teams manage to overcome their next commitments. Estudiantes de La Plata will face Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero, who comes off eliminating San Lorenzo, while Gimnasia will have a tough match against Barracas Central. The team coached by Eduardo Domíngez secured a spot in the top eight after narrowly defeating Rosario Central away in a match marked by controversy: the walk of backs turned to the recent league champion, combined with a prior message of discontent on social media, gave the encounter a special flavor. Gimnasia La Plata was not far behind either and also pulled off a surprise in Santa Fe, where they beat Unión 2-1, who had been one of the best teams in the Torneo Clausura. If both teams manage to win their respective quarter-final matches, La Plata could witness an unforgettable semi-final, with a classic derby full of history, emotion, and an extra spice, as Gimnasia would have home-field advantage due to their performance in the regular phase. For now, Estudiantes must travel to Santiago del Estero in search of another upset, this time against Central Córdoba, while Gimnasia will visit Barracas Central with the hope of continuing to advance and face their eternal rival.
