River Plate and Belgrano Set for Historic Apertura Tournament Final in Córdoba
River Plate and Belgrano will contest the Argentine Apertura Tournament final on May 24, 2026, at Córdoba’s Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium. This match holds profound historical significance as Belgrano seeks its first-ever First Division title, while River Plate aims for revenge against the only club to have relegated them in 2011. The narrative is intensified by Belgrano coach Ricardo Zielinski, a key figure from that 2011 squad. The event represents a major cultural moment for Córdoba, blending high-stakes sports rivalry with local identity and emotional redemption for both clubs.
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Belgrano Defeats River Plate 3-2 to Win First Argentine Elite Title in 121-Year History
Belgrano de Córdoba won the Argentine Apertura Tournament for the first time in its 121-year history, defeating River Plate 3-2 in a dramatic final at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium. Substitute Nicolás 'Uvita' Fernández was the hero, scoring two goals in the 85th and 88th minutes after entering the match in the 76th minute. River Plate had taken the lead twice through Facundo Colidio and Tomás Galván, but Belgrano equalized each time, first via a Leo Morales header and later through a penalty converted by Fernández. The winning goal came from a cross by Fabián Mudo Vázquez that Fernández finished with a first-class strike. The victory also secured Belgrano a spot in the 2027 Copa Libertadores and a place in the Champions Trophy. River Plate coach Eduardo Coudet was visibly angry, protesting the penalty decision and refusing to collect his medal.
PortadaBelgrano defeats River Plate 3-2 to win Argentine Apertura title for first time
Belgrano defeated River Plate 3-2 in an epic final of the Argentine Apertura tournament on Sunday at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Córdoba, securing their first-ever title in the Argentine soccer elite. Goals from Leonardo Morales (26') and Nicolás 'Uvita' Fernández (84' penalty, 87') completed a comeback after River Plate had taken a 2-1 lead through Facundo Colidio (18') and Tomás Galván (59'). The victory also qualifies Belgrano for the group stage of the 2027 Copa Libertadores. The match was marked by River Plate's ongoing title drought since 2023 and the resignation of coach Marcelo Gallardo in March. Fernández, who entered as a substitute in the 76th minute, was hailed as the hero, scoring twice to seal the historic win.
Perú 21 NewsBelgrano beats River Plate 3-2 to win first Argentine soccer championship in 2026 Apertura Tournament
Belgrano, known as the Pirate from Córdoba, defeated River Plate 3-2 in the final of the 2026 Apertura Tournament at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium, winning their first-ever Argentine First Division title. The match revived memories of 2011 when Belgrano sent River Plate to relegation. River took the lead twice through Facundo Colidio (18') and Tomás Galván (59'), but Belgrano equalized each time, first via Leonardo Morales (26') from a corner and then through a controversial penalty converted by Nicolás 'Uvita' Fernández (85'). Fernández scored again three minutes later (88') to seal the victory. River coach Eduardo 'Chacho' Coudet was expelled after the match for protesting the penalty call. Chilean defender Paulo Díaz was not included in River's squad despite traveling with the team, signaling his likely departure in the next transfer window.
La TerceraBelgrano Wins First Argentine League Title, Denies Coudet Title with River Plate
Belgrano de Córdoba won its first Argentine League championship by defeating River Plate 3-2 in a dramatic final. River Plate, coached by Eduardo 'Chacho' Coudet, led 2-1 until the 86th minute, when Belgrano's Nicolás Fernández scored a penalty and then another goal in the 88th minute, both highly protested by River. Coudet, who took over River just 75 days ago and rebuilt the team after Marcelo Gallardo's era, was sent off with a straight red card for protesting after the match. Despite the loss, Coudet's record was strong: 11 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats in 17 games, with 27 goals scored and 9 clean sheets. The victory marks a historic achievement for Belgrano.
PortadaBelgrano de Córdoba Wins First Argentine National Championship, Defeats River Plate 3-2
On May 24, 2026, Belgrano de Córdoba defeated River Plate 3-2 at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium to win the Apertura tournament, the first national championship title in the club's 121-year history. Striker Nicolás Fernández was the hero, scoring a penalty equalizer in the 40th minute of the second half and the winning goal three minutes later. Leonardo Morales had opened the scoring for Belgrano, while Colidio and Ezequiel Galvan scored for River Plate, Argentina's most decorated club with 38 titles. The victory carries historical significance: 15 years earlier, Belgrano's defeat of River Plate contributed to River's relegation to the second division. Belgrano, coached by Ricardo Zielinski and led by president Luis Fabián Artime, finished fifth in the regular phase before eliminating Talleres, Unión de Santa Fe, and Argentinos Juniors (on penalties) en route to the final.
Folha de S.Paulo - Em cima da hora - PrincipalBelgrano Defeats River Plate 3-2 to Win Apertura Tournament Final
Belgrano defeated River Plate 3-2 in the final of the Argentine Apertura Tournament, played at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba. River Plate took an early lead through Facundo Colidio in the 18th minute, but Belgrano equalized via Leonardo Morales in the 26th minute. The first half ended 1-1. In the second half, River Plate went ahead again through Tomás Galván in the 60th minute. Belgrano then staged a late comeback: Nicolás Fernández scored a penalty in the 85th minute after a VAR review for handball, and then scored again in the 88th minute from a cross that the River defense failed to clear. The match ended 3-2, giving Belgrano the Apertura Tournament title.
La TerceraBelgrano Chase History for Córdoba as River Plate Revisit Old Wounds
Belgrano will face River Plate in the Liga Profesional final at Estadio Mario Kempes on Sunday, aiming to become the first league champions from Córdoba Province. For River Plate, the match offers an early chance for coach Eduardo Coudet to secure the club's first Primera title since 2023. The encounter evokes memories of the 2011 relegation play-off, when Belgrano defeated River Plate, sending the Buenos Aires giants into the second division for the first time in 102 years. Belgrano's coach Ricardo Zielinski and assistant Juan Carlos Olave were key figures in that historic 2011 triumph. River Plate recovered quickly, returning to the top flight the following year and dominating Argentine football under Marcelo Gallardo. The final carries deep emotional and historical weight for both clubs.
Buenos Aires TimesCoudet Faces Belgrano in River Plate's Apertura Final Amid Historic Rivalry
River Plate manager Rodrigo 'Chacho' Coudet is set to compete for his first title with the club in the final of the Argentine Apertura Tournament against Belgrano. Coudet, who recently left Alavés to join River Plate, has revitalized the team with five consecutive victories after a slow start. The match carries significant historical weight, as Belgrano is the only team to have relegated River Plate to the Second Division, an event that occurred in 2011. This history adds a layer of intense rivalry and desire for revenge to the fixture. Belgrano reached the final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Argentinos Juniors, featuring errors from former River players. While River aims to heal old wounds and make history, Belgrano's president Luis Fabián Artime emphasized the historic nature of the opportunity for his club. Additionally, River Plate is preparing for a crucial qualifying round match against RB Bragantino for the Copa Libertadores. The article highlights the emotional stakes and the competitive journey both teams undertook to reach this decisive encounter.
PortadaBelgrano to Face River Plate in Historic Apertura Final in Córdoba
Club Atlético Belgrano is set to face River Plate in the final of the Apertura Tournament, a match scheduled for Sunday, May 24, at 3:30 p.m. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has designated the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba as the venue, deviating from previous editions held in Santiago del Estero. This location holds significant cultural weight, as the date coincides with the birthday of Rodrigo Bueno, known as 'El Potro,' a legendary quartet singer and devoted Belgrano fan who famously celebrated the club in his music. The match carries historical resonance due to the 2011 promotion playoff where Belgrano relegated River Plate. For Belgrano, this represents a chance to secure their first-ever First Division title. Conversely, a victory for River Plate would mark their 73rd trophy, keeping them as the second-most decorated club in Argentine football history, trailing only Boca Juniors. The article highlights the emotional connection between the club, its fans, and local cultural icons, framing the final as more than just a sporting event but a celebration of Cordoban identity.
www.ole.com.ar - HomeZielinski Reflects on Historic Final Against River Plate After Belgrano's Qualification
Ricardo Zielinski, coach of Belgrano de Córdoba, expressed cautious optimism following his team's difficult qualification for the Apertura tournament final against River Plate. Although he avoided extensive discussion about the rival, Zielinski acknowledged that the match evokes memories of positive moments, specifically referencing the historic 2011 Promotion playoffs where Belgrano defeated River, causing their relegation. Fifteen years later, Zielinski and player Franco Vázquez remain as key survivors from that squad. This upcoming final marks the first time Belgrano has reached such a stage in its history. At 66 years old, Zielinski is eager to secure his first coaching title, emphasizing that the victory would be primarily for the fans of Córdoba and their families. He highlighted the emotional significance of the occasion, stating, 'Finally it was our turn,' alluding to previous near-misses. The match is set to take place at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium. Historically, Zielinski has faced River Plate 22 times previously, with a mixed record, but this encounter carries unique weight due to the shared history and the high stakes of the final.
Clarin.com - Home - Lo últimoZielinski Issues Warning to River Plate Ahead of Apertura Final
Ricardo Zielinski, head coach of Belgrano de Córdoba, has issued a confident statement ahead of the upcoming Apertura Tournament final against River Plate. After securing their place in the decisive match through a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Argentinos Juniors, Zielinski emphasized his team's resilience and affinity for high-stakes competitions. The coach described the upcoming final as a reminder of "good times" and asserted that Belgrano thrives when playing against strong opponents. He highlighted the team's personality and strong connection with the fans in Córdoba, noting that they overcame significant adversity and external criticism to reach this stage. This final represents a crucial opportunity for Zielinski to claim his first title as a First Division coach, having previously finished as a runner-up in several competitions. The article underscores the emotional significance of the match for the club and its supporters, framing it as a culmination of the team's persistent fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
www.ole.com.ar - HomeRiver Plate vs Belgrano: A Historic Final Marked by 2011 Relegation Revenge
River Plate and Belgrano are set to face off in the final of the Apertura Tournament on May 24, 2026, at the Mario Alberto Kémpes stadium in Córdoba. This match holds significant historical weight as it marks Belgrano's first-ever appearance in a First Division title decider in its 121-year history. For River Plate, the game represents a chance for revenge against the 'Pirate' fifteen years after the traumatic 2011 Promotion playoff defeat that led to their only ever relegation. The narrative is intensified by the presence of three Belgrano figures from that 2011 squad: coach Ricardo Zielinski, staff member Juan Carlos Olave, and midfielder Franco Vázquez. Although River has dominated recent head-to-head records with eight wins in fourteen games since 2011, including a 2-1 victory in the 2023 League Cup quarterfinals, the stakes of this final offer Belgrano a unique opportunity to claim their first major title while potentially inflicting a painful defeat on River in their own stronghold.
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