Belgrano secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Banfield in the fourth round of the 2026 Argentine Clausura Tournament. Lucas Passerini ended a 869-day drought without a goal from open play, while Lisandro López sealed the match. The team, led by Ricardo Zielinski, now looks ahead to a demanding schedule with renewed confidence.

A Much-Needed Triumph

In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Belgrano defeated Banfield 2-0 in the fourth round of the 2026 Torneo Clausura (the Argentine top-flight league's second half of the season). The goals came from Lucas Passerini and Lisandro López, showcasing a solid team performance despite several key absences.

Passerini Ends the Drought

Striker Lucas Passerini was the hero of the night. After 17 league matches without scoring and a long recovery from injury, the number 9 finally found the back of the net. Just two minutes into the second half, he pounced on a rebound from a swift counterattack, breaking a personal curse that had weighed heavily on him.

This goal was particularly significant: it was his first from open play since March 29, 2024, when Belgrano thrashed Tigre 4-1 in the Copa de la Liga. That's 869 days of only scoring from penalties. Against Banfield, Passerini was relentless—pressing high, hitting the post with a left-footed shot in the first half, and showing he's regaining the form that made him a fan favorite.

A Patchwork Midfield

Coach Ricardo Zielinski had to improvise his midfield without his natural holding player. Key absences included Franco Vázquez and Adrián Sánchez (suspended), Santiago Longo (red card vs. Tigre), and Nicolás Fernández (flu). Despite this, the makeshift midfield—featuring González Metili, Hernandes, and tireless efforts from Rigoni and Velázquez—held firm and drove the team forward.

Goalkeeping Heroics and Youth Debuts

Goalkeeper Cardozo had a mixed night but made a crucial save against Moreno to keep the clean sheet when the game was still in the balance. The match also marked a milestone for the club's youth academy: Marcos Ortiz, just 17, and Agustín Bono, 18, both made their professional debuts in the final minutes, signaling a bright future for the club's commitment to developing homegrown talent.

What's Next: A Grueling Schedule

Belgrano has no time to rest. With two competitions running simultaneously, they face four matches in two weeks. The good news is that Zielinski may welcome back Vázquez and Sánchez for the next fixture.

  • Sat 15/08 vs Independiente Rivadavia (Home, 19:00) - Round 5
  • Wed 19/08 vs Racing Club (La Pedrera, San Luis, 19:15) - Copa Argentina Round of 16
  • Sun 23/08 vs Defensa y Justicia (Home, 17:00) - Round 6
  • Sat 29/08 vs Atlético Tucumán (Away, 21:30) - Round 7