Belgrano crowned champions of Argentina after unforgettable final against River Plate

Belgrano de Córdoba achieved the greatest feat in club history by defeating River Plate 3-2 and becoming champions of the 2026 Apertura Tournament. The Córdoba side came from behind in a match that appeared to be slipping toward the Buenos Aires giants and ultimately celebrated in front of thousands of supporters who filled the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium.

The wait is over: a title more than a century in the making

The magnitude of this achievement becomes even clearer when considering that Belgrano was founded in 1905 and had never before managed to win Argentina’s top-flight championship. Victory over River represents the club’s first national First Division title in more than 120 years of history. The wait is over, and the Pirate finally reached the place it had dreamed of occupying for generations.

The stars of the championship-winning squad

Every title needs its heroes, and Belgrano found several decisive figures throughout the tournament and especially in the final.

Nicolás “Uvita” Fernández immediately established himself as the hero of the coronation. His brace against River, including the equalizing penalty and the decisive goal, made him the face of the championship and a name forever linked to the club’s first national title.

Another key figure was Lucas Zelarayán. The midfielder, a modern-day club idol, brought leadership, creativity, and experience during the decisive stages of the tournament. His ability to control the rhythm of the game and create attacking opportunities proved crucial in maintaining the team’s competitiveness.

In defense, Leonardo Morales was equally decisive. Beyond scoring in the final, he provided solidity and aerial presence throughout the competition. Alongside them stood the collective effort driven by Ricardo Zielinski, the coach whose name once again became tied to one of the happiest chapters in Belgrano’s history.

Beyond individual names, Belgrano sustained its success through a quality that has historically defined the club: collective effort and the conviction to compete fearlessly against any opponent.

The great legends who shaped Belgrano

Before the 2026 championship squad, Belgrano had already built a gallery of unforgettable footballers.

One of the most beloved is goalkeeper Juan Carlos Olave. His performance in the 2011 promotion playoff, especially the penalty save against River, transformed him into an eternal symbol of the Pirate.

Guillermo Farré occupies another privileged place in club history. Scorer of the equalizing goal at El Monumental during that historic series against River, he became permanently linked to one of the most memorable moments in Argentine football.

Luis Fabián Artime also stands among the club’s legends as its historic top scorer and one of its greatest attacking references, alongside figures such as César Mansanelli, Matías Suárez, and Franco Vázquez, players who helped establish Belgrano as a competitive and respected institution.

In recent years, names such as Lucas Zelarayán and World Cup champion Cristian “Cuti” Romero — developed through Belgrano’s youth academy — have expanded that legacy and reinforced the club’s footballing prestige.