Belgrano de Córdoba secured a historic spot in the 2026 Apertura Tournament final by defeating Argentinos Juniors 4-3 on penalties this Sunday at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Buenos Aires. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with excitement until the last minute.
Argentinos Juniors opened the scoring in the sixth minute of the first half. Alan Lescano crossed from the right, Tomás Molina headed it on, and Facundo Jainikoski pushed it into the goal. The home side seemed to have control of the match, but Belgrano, known as 'Pirata', did not give up. In the 94th minute, Nicolás 'Uvita' Fernández struck a cross-shot and equalized, sending the game to extra time.
In extra time, the score did not change, and the decision went to penalties. Argentinos Juniors started ahead, with goalkeeper Brayan Cortés saving two attempts. However, 'Bicho' wasted two chances to close out the series. Belgrano, with goals from Lucas Passerini, Nicolás Fernández, Emiliano Rigoni, and Ramiro Hernandes, plus a decisive save by goalkeeper Thiago Cardozo, turned the tide and secured qualification.
Coach Ricardo Zielinski leads Belgrano, which will now face River Plate in the grand final, scheduled for next Sunday, May 24, at 3:30 PM at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Córdoba. Paraguayan Alcides Benítez, who plays for Belgrano, watched the match from the bench.