belgrano He approaches the end of the Clausura Tournament, breathing heavily, like a traveler climbing the last step of an endless staircase without knowing if the door will open at the end. The Pirates are 10th in Zone A with just 19 points. The gap to the round of 16 is two units, but that distance seems both very small and tremendous at the same time. Mathematically, the door is still ajar. However, their chances of advancing are in the hands of others, and they still have the obligation to beat Union tomorrow. For this reason, the duel will take place on Monday at 5 p.m. in Gigante de Alberdi is more than just a match. The cast, led by Ricardo Zielinski, appears throughout the year.
Yes, this is not an exaggeration. This year is at stake. “Pirates” went through a very complicated period in 2025, where illusions and hopes did not solidify, but for now we see all the definitions on TV.
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Irregularity.
Belgrano started with “The Adventures of Elviti”, in which the celestial leadership took a risk, but it did not work out, despite criticism and warnings from fans. Few games, few results, just four games for the former Boca player. At the announcement press conference, the coach stated that he came with the intention of becoming a champion. That was said at Belgrano, and even more so with the long-awaited return of Lucas Zelarayan.
But they had to quickly change direction.. “Beto” Fernandes took command on an interim basis and made some adjustments until his arrival. Ricardo Zielinski Although it was difficult for him, he was able to get his team back on track, although they did not qualify for the playoffs. Belgrano only managed to win four of 16 games in the Apertura tournament. He had the most draws (eight) and lost five. Although the team had “Uvita” Fernandez as the keystone of their attack, they suffered a lot on defense (23 goals conceded to the opponents).
At that moment, Zielinski wanted to do what was best for his team. Belgrano was excited about the Argentina CupDue to good results and tremendous support from people. Then the winter transfer window arrived, and the Russians, aware of the team’s shortcomings, reinforced the team with senior players including Lisandro López. There was a clear improvement: Zelarayan played a great game and there was hope again…but irregularities plagued him and he was unable to make use of Julio César Villagra (played 7 games with Alberdi, 2 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses).
Furthermore, in the highly anticipated Argentina Cup, they advanced to the semi-finals and performed well, but they fell short in the decisive battle against Argentinos Juniors. An exclusion that caused much sadness and anger.
Therefore, the current Pirates team will be proud when they play against Union tomorrow. Captain Zelarayan had already stated this a few hours earlier, with the harsh sincerity of someone who understands that we live in an era where euphemisms are not tolerated. “We have to prove it once and for all,” he said, without a hint of excuse in his tone. “I can reiterate that it’s the final, that we’re putting everything on the line… but if we don’t show it on the field in the second half, if we don’t score, if we don’t move forward, those are empty words,” exclaimed ‘Chino’ with convincing authority.
You could write a two-page report about why Belgrano found itself in a complicated situation in 2025, but the former Atalaya explained it exactly without using a cassette. Then he added without hesitation. “We all have to take responsibility. The players, the coaching staff, the leaders. There’s a lot on the line for us on Monday…We’re putting our whole year on the line.”
Belgrano thus entered into a duel with Union. Aware of his failures, prompted by his own indebtedness and buoyed by the faith of a captain who has already taken on the weight of Monday, at least in words. Now, the most difficult thing is to prove it.
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How do I qualify for the playoffs?
* Belgrano will play Union de Santa Fe at Gigante de Alberdi on Monday at 5 p.m.
* To advance to the next stage of the Clausura tournament, you must win “Tatenge”.
* However, in addition to winning, you must wait for at least one of the following combinations of outcomes to occur:
– Banfield cannot beat Central Cordoba.
– That racing loses to Newell’s.
– Boca might win against Tigre.
– If Belgrano ties or loses, he is eliminated.
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