Estudiantes Río Cuarto vs Belgrano

Belgrano ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Estudiantes Rio Cuarto on Wednesday night to climb to the top of Zone B in the Torneo Apertura. A second-half strike from Francisco González Metilli proved the difference at the Estadio Ciudad de Río Cuarto. The first half was a cagey affair, with the hosts trying to impose themselves on home turf but neither side able to create clear-cut chances. The deadlock was broken in the 58th minute when Alcides Benítez whipped in a cross that caused chaos in the Estudiantes defence — goalkeeper Lastra collided with teammate Matías Valenti, leaving González Metilli to pounce on the loose ball and prod it home. Belgrano now sit top of Zone B on 18 points from nine matches, while Estudiantes Rio Cuarto remain rooted to the bottom of the group with just four points. A historic reunion between the two Córdoba sides — their first top-flight meeting in 45 years — belonged firmly to the Pirata.