It was a lack of goals that contributed to Belgrano’s eventual relegation but with the shackles off under interim manager Julio Constantín, El Pirata secured a 3-2 win over Lanús in the first leg of their Copa de la Superliga tie.
After scoring just 16 goals all season it took only three minutes for defender Juan Patiño to power a header past Matías Ibáñez to give Belgrano the lead and although Marcelino Moreno would rifle in a swift reply it wasn’t long before the home side were on target again. Cristian Techera’s left wing cross tempting Ibáñez to come and claim only for the goalkeeper to be left in no-man’s-land allowing Leonardo Sequeira to nod into an empty net.
Three goals in eleven minutes wasn’t expected and while Belgrano looked defensively fragile there was an attacking intent that may have been useful over the past few months under Diego Osella.
Both sides traded chances until shortly after half time when a free-kick into the Lanús six-yard box found Federico Lértora and the midfielder flicked the ball into the roof of the net.
A two-goal lead would have made Belgrano firm favourites ahead of next week’s second leg but the Pirates couldn’t hold out. A woefully defended free-kick saw Facundo Quignón head in unmarked and while Lanús were unable to find an equaliser, two precious away goals will provide confidence to Luis Zubeldía and his side.
Belgrano 3 – 2 Lanús
Two of the other relegated sides were also in cup action and it was a positive afternoon for San Martín de San Juan as Rubén Forestello’s side defeated Talleres to take a commanding lead to Córdoba.
Much the better side only good fortune and the woodwork had seen Talleres reach the break still level but it took only three minutes of the second half for San Martín to take the lead that they richly deserved. Gustavo Villarruel’s stinging, yet off target volley from distance, was given a little poke on the way through by Humberto Osorio and the Colombian’s touch was enough to divert it past Guido Herrera.
Emanuel Dening made it two just after the hour mark squeezing in a shot from a tight angle and the result leaves Talleres with a big task ahead if they are to set up a last 16 clash with Atlético Tucumán.
San Martín de Tucumán weren’t able to record a victory but did muster a draw from the visit of Unión which was no less than their performance warranted.
A fine Maximiliano Cuadra header looked like it would give Unión a slender first leg advantage to take back to Santa Fe after the home side rattled the crossbar and had a goal chalked off for a narrow offside. However, deep in stoppage time Lucas Acevedo thumped a header past Marcos Peano to salvage a draw.
golazo argentino 