Rosario Central showcased their strength at the Avenida stadium, overpowering Sp. Belgrano with a solid score of 2-0 in the knockout stage match. The scoring opened early with Julián Fernández netting a goal in the 5th minute, setting the tone for the Canalla’s dominance. Just before halftime, Alejo Veliz doubled the lead with a goal at the 39th minute.
Ángel Di María emerged as the standout player of the match, consistently threatening the opposing goal with three attempts on target. Julián Fernández also had an impressive outing, contributing a goal and taking two shots at the goal.
Head coach Jorge Almirón employed a 4-5-1 formation for Rosario Central, with Jorge Broun guarding the net; the defensive line consisted of Emanuel Coronel, Ignacio Ovando, Gastón Ávila, and Agustín Sández. The midfield was packed with Franco Ibarra, Enzo Giménez, Julián Fernández, Vicente Pizarro, and Ángel Di María, while Alejo Veliz led the attack.
On the other side, Sp. Belgrano, managed by Sergio Maza, took to the field in a 4-4-2 setup. Leonardo Martina was in goal, with Leonardo Ferreyra, Brian Flores, Gianfranco Ferrero, and Tomás Pennesi in defense. The midfield consisted of Joaquín Bassani, Juan Caviglia, Santiago Churchi, and Agustín Pastorelli, while the strike force included Emanuel Mercado and Alfio Lehmann.
Referee Leandro Rey Hilfer officiated the match, ensuring a fair play at Avenida stadium. Following this victory, Rosario Central has secured their spot in the 16th round of the tournament, eliminating Sp. Belgrano from the competition.
Substitutions for Rosario Central
75’ 2T – Alejo Veliz was replaced by Enzo Copetti, Julián Fernández by Giovanni Cantizano
82’ 2T – Enzo Giménez came off for Paolo Giaccone
87’ 2T – Ángel Di María was substituted for Santiago Segovia
Substitutions for Sp. Belgrano
45’ 2T – Joaquín Bassani was taken off for Mariano Gancedo
48’ 2T – Tomás Pennesi was replaced by Jonathan Paíz
55’ 2T – Emanuel Mercado substituted for Germán Lessmann
68’ 2T – Alfio Lehmann was taken off for Mariano Sagristani
74’ 2T – Agustín Pastorelli and Franco Ibarra were substituted for Jeremías Giménez and Federico Navarro respectively.
Yellow Cards for Sp. Belgrano:
7’ 1T – Emanuel Mercado (Unsporting behavior)
18’ 1T – Leonardo Ferreyra (Unsporting behavior)
33’ 1T – Juan Caviglia (Holding an opponent to impede progress)
33’ 1T – Agustín Pastorelli (Unsporting behavior)
34’ 1T – Alfio Lehmann (Repeated fouls)
0’ 2T – Gianfranco Ferrero (Holding an opponent to impede progress)
43’ 2T – Mariano Gancedo (Unsporting behavior)