The domestic campaign came to a close in Argentina, with December 2014 very much signalling an end of an era in many respects.

Firstly, as 2014 was the last tournament played in the current format, the new year will see the top flight increase to a staggering 30 teams. But secondly, 2014 also saw the long overdue return to winning ways of one of the nations “Big five”. Racing Club De Avellaneda claiming their first title since 2001.

In truth, few would have predicted La Academia’s success earlier in the season, and their success ironically came in a typically un-Racing like fashion, the team rallying to win their last 6 games, piping last season’s champions and Copa Sudamericana winners River Plate at the death. But rookie coach Diego Cocca’s men, inspired by their club captain and legend Diego Milito proved good value for their win.

In fairness though, equally few would deny Marcelo Gallardo’s River as a worthy competitor in what still proved to be a successful season for the men from El Monumental.

The 2014 Torneo De Transicion will in large part be remembered as one of the most attacking championships for some time in Argentina. Teams opting for an open expansive game, with goals and chances aplenty. As is usually the case, there have been some notable player performances throughout, and below is this season’s team and individual awards of the season:

– Who’s who in the Torneo De Transicion Best XI:

GK | Marcelo Barovero – River Plate

Runners up River Plate finished the campaign as the competition’s best defense, conceding only 13 goals all season. Commanding presence Marcelo Barovero played an integral part of their success, the shot stopper frequently coming to his sides rescue with a plethora of superlative saves, whilst in the process establishing himself as one of the best domestic performers at present.

DEF| Gastón Díaz – Racing Club

One of Racing’s 13 summer recruits, ex-Gimnasia & Velez man Gastón Díaz shared time between right midfield and right-wing back for champions Racing, proving to be a key player both offensively with 6 assists (the joint most in the competition) and a goal to his name, as well contributing defensively to a Racing side that finished the season conceding only 1 goal in their last 8 games.

DEF | Leonel Vangioni – River Plate

In truth any of the River Plate back line would merit a place in this terms team of the season, such has been the strength of their defensive displays this campaign. Leonel Vangioni gets the nod over his backline teammates on the strength of his attacking displays as well as his composed defending.

Indeed Vangion’s form this season has been good enough to warrant a return to the Argentine national team under his former Newells boss Gerrardo “El Tata” Martino.

DEF | Lucas Licht – Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata

Again in 2014 the modest Gimnasia proved to be one of the meanest defences in the entire league, and once again the veteran Lucas Licht proved to be key to their success.

In fact the accomplished left back have been consistently that good that he’s now made consecutive teams of the season appearances.

MID | Carlos Sánchez – River Plate

It would be fair to say that Carlos Sánchez has been without doubt the Revelation Of the 2014 Torneo De Transicion. The unheralded Uruguayan midfielder returned from an anonymous loan spell in Mexican football to establish himself as a vital cog in the all conqueringRiver Plate midfield, contributing both goals and assists to his tremendous work rate.

Such has been his form this campaign, Sánchez even managed to earn his first international call up at the tender age of 30.

MID | Maxi Rodríguez – Newell’s Old Boys

Former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid midfielder Maxi Rodríguez has been in outstanding form this campaign, “La Fiera” one of the few bright spots for in a disappointing campaign for Newell’s Old Boys.

The veteran Argentina international midfielder finished the campaign as the seasons joint top scorer with 11 goals to his name, confirming that when injury free he is still one of the domestic games most important players.

MID | Federico Mancuello – CA Independiente De Avellaneda

At the start of this seasons Torneo De Transicion not much was expected of CA Independiente, and perhaps even less of Federico Mancuello. Both upset the odds in a considerable style, with Mancuello establishing himself as one of the best players in the league on the back of a series of exceptional goal scoring performances.

The talismanic midfielder played a huge part in taking his newly promoted side to a highly credible fourth placed finish, and will no doubt be a player in high demand this January.

MID | Silvio Romero – Lanus

Goals from midfield have been a distinct theme of the local championship in 2014, and few have done it better than Lanus’ Silvio Romero.

The exciting left midfielder was without question one of the competitions outstanding performers, and one of the main reasons behind his clubs prolonged title challenge. The ability to retain Romero will certainly prove critical to any title aspirations El Grana may have in 2015.

FWD | Lucas Pratto – Velez Sarsfield

Having lost last seasons domestic top scorer Mauro Zarate in the summer, former strike partner Lucas Pratto stepped in to fill the void and in considerable fashion. The powerful forward ending the season as the tournaments joint top scorer (and it highest scoring forward) with 11 strikes.

Pratto (unfortunately for Velez) now seems set to follow in Zarate’s footsteps with a January transfer away from El Fortin imminent.

FWD | Teófilo Gutiérrez – River Plate

Post a discrete World Cup campaign, Colombia international forward Teó Gutiérrez has proved inspirational for Marcelo Gallardo’s attack minded River side.

A blistering start to the campaign saw Gutiérrez equal Javier Saviola’s record for consecutive games with a goal, his performances throughout, the striker finishing with 10 goals in just 13 league outings, confirmed the controversial Colombian as one of South America’s most coveted players.

FWD | Diego Milito – Racing Club

The prince who returned to be king. Diego Alberto Milito returned from a highly successful career in Europe to lead his boyhood club to their first title success since in 13 years. “El Principe” as Milito has been affectionately dubbed, scored 6 goals whilst setting up a further 4 for his teammates, but such was his leadership and overall impact to a side that had flirted with relegation in previous campaigns, that Diego Milito would be the resounding choice as the Torneo De Transicion Player of The Season.

Honorable mentions who narrowly missed out would be: Gimnasia’s talented goalkeeper Fernando Monetti, who once again proved to be one of the competitions most consistent performers.

In defence River’s Ramiro Funes Mori had an exceptional campaign, so much so he managed keep out last terms top performer Colombian international defender Eder Alvarez Balanta.

In midfield Arsenal De Sarandi’s Brahian Alemán proved a revelation for Martin Palermo’s men, the Uruguayan midfielder helping himself to a noteworthy 9 goals from the centre of the park.

Likewise Leonardo Pisculichi of Sudamericana champions River Plate proved an inspired signing contributing to over 60% of his teams goals since his arrival.

An equally effective summer capture proved to be that of Ezequiel Videla for champions Racing Club, who’s unsung work in defensive midfield proved vital to their league success.

And upfront, the initially much maligned Gustavo Bou finished the campaign on 10 goals, demonstrating that if the La Academia forward can continue his mid-season progression he will no doubt be one to watch in coming campaigns.