{
  "id": 859741,
  "title": "Argentina’s Libertadores candidates look to break Brazil’s hold on Copa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/argentinas-libertadores-candidates-look-to-break-brazils-hold-on-copa",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-14T10:17:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Buenos Aires Times",
    "slug": "buenos-aires-times",
    "url": "https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/argentinas-libertadores-candidates-look-to-break-brazils-hold-on-copa.phtml"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Argentina's Libertadores candidates are attempting to challenge Brazil's long-standing dominance in the prestigious Copa. Eight years have passed since River Plate's last victory, and this season sees Boca Juniors and River Plate absent from the knockout stages for the first time since 2014. Estudiantes La Plata emerges as the most likely candidate to break Brazil's hold, boasting four wins in the tournament and a strong Copa record. Estudiantes' journey begins in Santiago next week, where they will face either Rosario Central or Corinthians. In the meantime, Jorge Almirón's Rosario Central has shown consistency, and their recent clash against Corinthians will begin after this column's publication. Independent Rivadavia and Platense, both first-time Libertadores participants, have caused a stir with their group stage performances. Platense, in particular, boasts an unbeaten run and previous Maracanazo victory over Fluminense. With no legitimate surprise winner in Argentina since 2016, this Copa could very well be the stage for an unexpected triumph.",
  "summary": "Almost eight years have passed since an Argentina side lifted the Copa Libertadores and this season, for the first time since 2014, neither Boca or River are contenders for the continental title. Leer más",
  "key_points": [
    "Argentina's Libertadores candidates aim to break Brazil's 8-year dominance.",
    "Estudiantes La Plata, with four tournament wins, is the frontrunner.",
    "Platense, with an unbeaten run, enters the competition for the first time."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Estudiantes La Plata's strong Copa record and unbeaten run position them as Argentina's best bet to end Brazil's dominance, with Rosario Central, Independent Rivadavia, and Platense also in contention.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}