Argentine Primera División 2012–13 Season Review
The 2012–13 Primera División season marked the 122nd edition of top-flight professional football in Argentina. Spanning from August 3, 2012, to June 29, 2013, the season featured 20 competing teams. While eighteen clubs returned from the previous campaign, the league welcomed back River Plate (champions of the Primera B Nacional) and Quilmes (runners-up), both of whom successfully avoided relegation during their return to the top tier.
Key Facts
- Champions: Vélez Sarsfield (Torneo Inicial) and Newell's Old Boys (Torneo Final).
- Super Champion: Vélez Sarsfield, winning the Superfinal 1–0.
- Total Matches: 381 matches played with 854 goals scored (2.24 per match).
- Top Goalscorer: Ignacio Scocco (Newell's Old Boys) with 24 goals across the season.
- Relegated Teams: San Martín (SJ), Independiente, and Unión.
Tournament Structure and Format
The season was divided into two primary tournaments: the Torneo Inicial and the Torneo Final. This structure allowed for two different champions within a single season, culminating in a high-stakes Superfinal to determine the overall season winner.
Torneo Inicial
The Torneo Inicial began in August 2012 and concluded in February 2013. Vélez Sarsfield dominated this segment, securing their 9th title with 41 points from 19 matches. They boasted a strong defensive record and a potent attack, finishing five points clear of Newell's Old Boys.
Torneo Final
The Torneo Final saw a shift in power as Newell's Old Boys claimed their 6th title. They finished at the top of the table with 38 points, narrowly beating River Plate, who finished second with 35 points.
The Superfinal
To decide the ultimate champion of the 2012–13 season, a Superfinal was held on June 29, 2013, at the neutral Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza. Vélez Sarsfield faced Newell's Old Boys in a tightly contested match.
Vélez Sarsfield emerged victorious with a 1–0 win, courtesy of a goal by Lucas Pratto in the 8th minute. This victory earned Vélez Sarsfield their 10th title and qualification for the 2013 Supercopa Argentina, 2013 Copa Sudamericana, and 2014 Copa Libertadores.
Season Statistics and Highlights
The season was characterized by several remarkable streaks and high-scoring encounters. Lanús recorded the longest winning run with seven consecutive victories, while Newell's Old Boys and Lanús both shared the record for the longest unbeaten run at 15 matches.
| Category | Detail | Record/Team |
|---|---|---|
| Biggest Home Win | 6–1 | San Martín (SJ) vs Boca Juniors |
| Biggest Away Win | 1–5 | Arsenal vs Vélez Sarsfield |
| Highest Scoring Match | 8 Goals | Atlético de Rafaela 5–3 Argentinos Juniors |
| Longest Losing Run | 6 Matches | Argentinos Juniors |
International Qualifications
Performance in the domestic league served as the gateway to prestigious continental competitions. Qualification for the Copa Libertadores (the premier club competition in South America) was granted to the tournament winners and teams with the highest aggregate points.
- 2013 Copa Libertadores: Vélez Sarsfield, Newell's Old Boys, Boca Juniors, and Tigre qualified.
- 2013 Copa Sudamericana: Lanús, River Plate, Racing, Belgrano, San Lorenzo, and Vélez Sarsfield secured spots.
Relegation Battle
Relegation in the Argentine league is determined by a points average (promedios) over three seasons. Despite their efforts, San Martín (SJ), Independiente, and Unión failed to maintain a sufficient average and were relegated to the Primera B Nacional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2012–13 Superfinal?
Vélez Sarsfield won the Superfinal by defeating Newell's Old Boys 1–0 on June 29, 2013.
Which player scored the most goals during the season?
Ignacio Scocco of Newell's Old Boys was the top goalscorer, netting a total of 24 goals.
Which teams were promoted for the 2012–13 season?
River Plate and Quilmes were promoted from the Primera B Nacional Championship.
How many teams were relegated at the end of the season?
Three teams were relegated: San Martín (SJ), Independiente, and Unión.
What was the highest-scoring match of the season?
The highest-scoring match was between Atlético de Rafaela and Argentinos Juniors, which ended 5–3, totaling 8 goals.