Belgrano clinches first Argentine league title with 3‑2 comeback win over River Plate
On 24 May 2026, Belgrano de Córdoba defeated River Plate 3‑2 in the Torneo Apertura final at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium. River opened the scoring early, but Belgrano equalised through a Leonardo Morales header before half‑time. In the second half River retook the lead via Tomás Galván, only for Nicolás “Uvita” Fernández to level from the spot after a VAR‑reviewed handball on Lautaro Rivero. Fernández completed the comeback three minutes later, sealing the victory.
The win gives Belgrano its first top‑flight championship in the club’s 121‑year history, makes it the first league champion from Córdoba and secures a place in the 2027 Copa Libertadores. River’s trophy drought extends to three years. The triumph sparked massive celebrations in Córdoba, a city‑wide “vuelta olímpica” and a large gathering at the Patio Olmos. River coach Eduardo Coudet protested the officiating, was sent off, and later faced a potential disciplinary sanction.
The match reshapes the Argentine football landscape, delivering historic glory to Belgrano and deepening River’s recent struggles.