Belgrano Córdoba delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday night at Estadio Julio César Villagra, overwhelming Newell’s Old Boys 3-0 in the ninth round of Liga Profesional’s second phase. The result cements Belgrano’s place in the league’s upper tier and underscores their attacking depth, while Newell’s are left searching for answers after a frustrating evening in Córdoba.

The hosts set the tone early, pressing with intensity and controlling possession in the first half. Francisco González Metilli ignited the crowd in the 38th minute, breaking the deadlock with a clinical finish that capped off a sweeping move down the left flank. Newell’s had a golden chance to equalize before halftime, but squandered a penalty opportunity—an error that would haunt them as the match wore on.

Belgrano wasted little time asserting their dominance after the interval. Just four minutes into the second half, Nicolás Fernández doubled the advantage, slotting home after a precise assist from Adrian Sporle. With Newell’s pushing forward in search of a lifeline, gaps began to open, and Belgrano were ruthless in exploiting them.

Substitute Lucas Zelarayán put the result beyond doubt in the 87th minute, latching onto a pass from fellow substitute Gabriel Zelarayán and firing past the stranded Newell’s goalkeeper Juan Espínola. It was a fitting exclamation point for a Belgrano side that looked more cohesive and dangerous throughout.

Thiago Cardozo, named Player of the Match, marshaled Belgrano’s defense expertly, snuffing out Newell’s sporadic attacks and providing a calming presence in goal. For Newell’s, Éver Banega’s experience could not stem the tide, and their attacking duo of Darío Benedetto and Carlos González were largely isolated all night.

This emphatic win lifts Belgrano to seventh in the table, firmly in the mix for continental qualification spots as the campaign heats up. For Newell’s Old Boys, now 14th, the defeat exposes ongoing defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge up front.

Key moments, including the missed penalty and all three goals, can be seen in popular YouTube recap videos that highlight Belgrano’s aggressive pressing and Newell’s frustrated reactions throughout the 90 minutes. In the end, it was a night that belonged to Belgrano—a night of clinical finishing, tactical discipline, and a statement of intent in front of their home supporters.