Argentine football never stops. After the painful elimination in the Copa Libertadores, Rosario Central must quickly lift their heads and this Monday, August 24, at 9:15 PM, they will visit Talleres de Córdoba at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium for the sixth round of the 2026 Torneo Clausura.
Central's present: an open wound but a positive streak
The 1-0 loss to Corinthians in São Paulo, with a goal from a set piece and an unnecessary foul by Emanuel Coronel, left the Canalla out of the Copa Libertadores and triggered a statement from Ángel Di María that raised doubts about his continuity, although he later downplayed it on his social media.
However, on the domestic front, Jorge Almirón's team has been on a three-game winning streak, the latest being a win against Barracas Central as visitors with a completely rotated squad. Central sits in a promising position in Zone B, among the top eight that qualify for the round of 16, and a win tonight would help mask the cup wound and solidify their playoff spot.
Talleres: deep crisis and Sampaoli on the hot seat
The picture for the Matador is completely different. With four losses and only one win in the first five Clausura matches, and ten goals conceded, Jorge Sampaoli's team is going through a sporting crisis that put the coach's future in doubt. The board ultimately decided to back him, but the pressure is immense.
For this match, Sampaoli is preparing a major shake-up with between three and five changes from the team that lost 3-1 to Gimnasia in Mendoza. The big news is the return of Matías Catalán, who spent nearly three months training separately alongside Juan Sforza, both now back with the squad. Additionally, Uruguayan Agustín Álvarez Martínez could make his first start.
In Saturday's practices at the Kempes, Sampaoli tested two formations: a 3-4-3 and a 4-4-2 with Catalán integrated into the back four. In the second trial, the eleven were: Unsain; Schott, Catalán, Fernández, and Maidana; Cristaldo, Fattori, Galarza, and Rick; Ronaldo and Álvarez Martínez. The final lineup will be confirmed on Sunday.
Probable lineups
Rosario Central
Jeremías Ledesma; Emanuel Coronel, Ignacio Ovando, Gastón Ávila, Agustín Sández; Franco Ibarra, Federico Navarro; Giovanni Cantizano, Ángel Di María, Jaminton Campaz; Enzo Copetti. Coach: Jorge Almirón.
Talleres
Ezequiel Unsain; Augusto Schott, Santiago Fernández, Valentín Fascendini, Alexandro Maidana; Timoteo Chamorro, Matías Galarza or Federico Fattori, Franco Cristaldo; Rick, Ronaldo Martínez or Valentín Depietri, and Agustín Álvarez Martínez or Valentín Dávila. Coach: Jorge Sampaoli.
Match details
| Competition | Torneo Clausura 2026, Round 6 |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:15 PM |
| Stadium | Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba |
| Referee | Sebastián Martínez |
| Assistant referees | Diego Bonfa and Lucas Pardo |
| Fourth official | Lautaro Castagnola |
| VAR | Adrián Franklin |
| AVAR | Marcelo Bistocco |
| TV | ESPN Premium |
| Radio broadcast | Radio 2 (AM 1230, FM 90.1, web and YouTube) |
Head-to-head history
According to official club data, there have been 59 official matches between the two teams, with 17 wins for Central, 20 draws, and 22 wins for Talleres. The last meeting was on February 20, 2026, with a 1-0 win for Talleres. Central's most recent victory at the Kempes dates back to November 19, 2018, when they won 1-0 with a goal from Fernando Zampedri.
A special memory for Canalla fans: on April 25, 1999, Central thrashed Talleres 3-1 in Córdoba with goals from Arnaldo Quiroga, Fernando Pierucci, and an own goal by Cristian Pino.
Central's news: Franco Cervi returns
Among the players called up by Almirón for the trip to Córdoba, the big news is the return of Franco Cervi, recovered from a muscle injury. The rest of the squad is available, although the coach is expected to keep the core team that played in Brazil, unless a last-minute injury forces him to adjust his plans.
The main doubt is in midfield: Alan Rodríguez or Vicente Pizarro would accompany Franco Ibarra. Up front, Enzo Copetti would be the starting striker, although Tomás Badaloni and Marco Ruben are pushing for a spot.
A key match for both sides
For Central, taking all three points in Córdoba means extending their good run in the tournament and leaving the cup disappointment behind. For Talleres, it's an early final: another setback could seal Sampaoli's fate and seriously jeopardize their playoff hopes.
The match promises strong emotions in a Kempes that will surely be packed. The Canalla will look for a win to bring back smiles to Arroyito, while Talleres will try to escape the danger zone.