Belgrano Tops Group B in Argentine Apertura with Victory Over Estudiantes
BUENOS AIRES, March 12 (Xinhua) — Belgrano secured the top spot in Group B of Argentina’s Apertura tournament on Thursday with a 1-0 away win against Estudiantes Rio Cuarto. The victory marks Belgrano’s fifth win of the campaign, placing them one point ahead of Independiente Rivadavia.
Gonzalez Secures Crucial Goal
The decisive goal came from attacking midfielder Francisco Gonzalez, who capitalized on a misplayed clearance by Estudiantes Rio Cuarto goalkeeper Agustín Lastra just before the hour mark. Gonzalez fired a first-time effort into the empty net, breaking the deadlock and securing the win for Belgrano.
Match Dynamics and Possession
Despite controlling 55% of the possession, Estudiantes Rio Cuarto struggled to convert their dominance into scoring opportunities. Belgrano’s defense remained resilient, and their clinical finishing proved to be the difference.
Standings and Group B Outlook
With 18 points, Belgrano leads Group B, closely followed by Independiente Rivadavia with 17 points. Estudiantes Rio Cuarto remains at the bottom of the 15-team group with only four points.
Other Apertura Tournament Results
In other matches played on Thursday:
- Talleres defeated Instituto 2-0.
- Deportivo Riestra and Gimnasia Mendoza played to a 0-0 draw.
- Central Cordoba and Defensa y Justicia drew 1-1.
Francisco González Metilli Reflects on the Win
Francisco González Metilli, who scored the winning goal, highlighted the difficulty of the match and the importance of securing the three points before the upcoming clásico against Talleres. He emphasized the team’s ability to maintain their level despite player rotations and absences. La Voz reports that González Metilli stated, “It was a very tough match. This pitch is super difficult, I had played in the ascenso.” He also noted the significance of the win, saying, “We take three golden points for what’s coming up, which is the clásico on Sunday.”
Lineups
Estudiantes RC: Lastra, Cobos, Valenti, Maffini, Lozano, Romero, Cabrera, Valiente, González, Garnerone, Bajamich.
Belgrano: Cardozo, Sporle, Ocampo, Morales, Benítez, Gonzalez Metilli, Longo, Velazquez, Vázquez, Hernandes, Passerini.
ESPN provides detailed lineups for both teams.