1952 Copa Ibarguren

The 1952 Copa Ibarguren was the 22nd edition of this national cup of Argentina. The final was contested by Racing Club de Avellaneda (1952 Primera División champion), and Liga Cultural of Santiago del Estero Province (today "Liga Santiagueña"), champion of 1952 Copa Presidente de la Nación.

The match was held in C.A. Mitre Stadium on 9 July 1954 (almost two years both teams won their respective editions due to organizational problems), and ended 1–1 after extra time). As a playoff was never held, both teams were crowned champions of the competition.

Qualified teams

 * Bold indicates winning years

Overview
The Liga Cultural had won the Copa de la República in December 1952 after defeating Liga de Pergamino (from the homonymous partido of Buenos Aires Province) 2–1 in the final held at C.A. Belgrano Stadium in Córdoba. achieving their second Campeonato de la República title.

On the other hand, River Plate, coached by José María Minella, had won the Primera División title in 1952 with 40 points in 30 matches played. Some players that had been part of legendary team La Máquina (such as Ángel Labruna, and Félix Loustau) were still part of the squad. Uruguayan striker Walter Gómez (who was in River since 1945) had consolidated as a keyplayer in the offensive line along with Labruna and Loustau.