Passerini Last-Gasp Hero as Belgrano Edge Estudiantes 2-1

Belgrano Cordoba Steal It at the Death

Lucas Passerini broke Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto hearts with a 95th-minute winner as Belgrano Cordoba snatched a 2-1 victory in a Liga Profesional Argentina Clausura thriller that exploded into life in the final 15 minutes.

The Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes had groaned through 74 goalless minutes before Mauro Garnerone nodded Estudiantes ahead against the run of play. Belgrano responded instantly through Lautaro Gutierrez’s crisp 82nd-minute equaliser, setting the stage for Passerini’s roof-raising climax.

Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto’s Bold Gamble Backfires

Substitute Garnerone’s opener – just 47 seconds after entering the fray – seemed to justify Ruben Forestello’s double substitution. But Belgrano manager Ricardo Zielinski’s quintuple change gamble paid richer dividends. The introduction of Passerini and Gutierrez turned the tide as Estudiantes’ defence – previously resolute – cracked under late pressure.

Juan Antonini and Francisco Cobos both saw yellow in a frantic finale as Estudiantes lost their discipline with the finish line in sight. When Lucas Zelarayan floated a 95th-minute cross onto Passerini’s forehead, Rio Cuarto’s resistance evaporated.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Belgrano, this smash-and-grab maintains their outside Clausura title hopes while Estudiantes are left to rue missed opportunities. The visitors’ first defeat in four leaves them glancing nervously at the relegation dogfight.

One statistic tells the story: Belgrano’s substitutes contributed both goals and an assist. In a league where squad depth defines seasons, Zielinski’s bench won the day.

Key Moments

74′ ⚽ Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto — M. Garnerone

82′ ⚽ Belgrano Cordoba — L. Gutierrez (assist: F. Gonzalez)

90+5′ ⚽ Belgrano Cordoba — L. Passerini (assist: L. Zelarayan)