Gimnasia Defeats Belgrano 2-1 to Secure Spot in Tournament Playoffs

Gimnasia secured a 2-1 victory over Belgrano on Thursday night at the Juan Carmelo Zerillo Stadium, commonly known as the Bosque, in a match that concluded the regular phase of the Clausura tournament. The home team, managed by Ariel Pereyra, entered the contest already qualified for the round of 16 and the Copa Sudamericana, but maintained their momentum to finish third in Zone B.

The match began with early intensity from the hosts. Lucas Janson opened the scoring in the sixth minute, connecting with a header that found the top corner of the net. This goal marked Janson's first for the club since joining in July, effectively ending a scoring drought that dated back to January 2025.

Gimnasia extended their lead in the 31st minute through Agustín Auzmendi. The goal followed a lengthy review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which confirmed that Auzmendi had successfully converted a play in the central axis of the field. Despite the two-goal deficit, Belgrano managed to narrow the gap just before halftime when Andrés Benítez capitalized on a rebound inside the area to beat goalkeeper Harlen Castillo.

The second half saw a shift in momentum as Gimnasia opted for a more defensive posture, allowing the visitors from Córdoba to control possession. Belgrano pushed for an equalizer, creating several dangerous opportunities, but the home side's defense, anchored by Harlen Castillo, held firm. Castillo proved pivotal in the closing stages, making a series of critical saves, including a notable double stop that denied Lucas Passerini.

The match was played without Ignacio Fernández, who was rested by the coaching staff after accumulating four yellow cards, ensuring his availability for the upcoming playoff round. Nicolás Barros Schelotto stepped into the lineup to fill the vacancy, contributing to a disciplined team performance that withstood late pressure from the visitors.

As the final whistle blew, the 2-1 result confirmed Gimnasia's strong standing heading into the knockout stages. While Belgrano attempted to find a late equalizer through long-range efforts from Lucas Zelarayán and late-game corner kicks, they were unable to break down the resilient Gimnasia backline. The victory serves as a significant morale boost for the La Plata squad as they prepare for their next challenge in the tournament.