The 2026 Copa Argentina served up a thrilling encounter as Gimnasia Jujuy and Belgrano played out a pulsating 2-2 draw under the lights at a neutral venue on 31 May 2026. With the score level after 90 minutes, the tie headed into extra time, leaving everything to play for in the knockout competition.

Both sides came into the match with contrasting league contexts but shared a fierce desire to progress. Gimnasia Jujuy, representing the second division, looked to cause an upset against their top-flight opponents, while Belgrano aimed to avoid a giant-killing. The match delivered drama, lead changes, and resilience from both teams.

Match Overview

The first half saw Gimnasia Jujuy seize the initiative. A well-worked move in the 22nd minute saw forward Juan Cruz González slot home a low cross from the left, giving the underdogs a deserved lead. Belgrano responded well, dominating possession but struggling to break down a compact Jujuy defence. The equaliser arrived just before the interval, when Pablo Vegetti latched onto a rebound to restore parity from close range.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Belgrano turned the game on its head in the 67th minute, as midfielder Bruno Zapelli curled a stunning effort into the top corner from outside the box. However, Gimnasia Jujuy showed tremendous character. Ten minutes later, a defensive lapse allowed Sebastián Pol to bundle home from a corner, levelling the scores once again.

Key Moments

• 22' – Goal Gimnasia Jujuy: Quick transition down the right flank, low cross finished clinically by González.
• 45' – Goal Belgrano: A shot from outside the box was parried into Vegetti’s path for a simple tap-in.
• 67' – Goal Belgrano: Zapelli’s unstoppable curler from 20 yards gave the 'keeper no chance.
• 77' – Goal Gimnasia Jujuy: Corner delivery headed goalwards, Pol reacted fastest to force the ball over the line.
• 90+3' – Late chance for Belgrano: A header from a free kick sailed just wide, keeping the score level.

Tactical Story

Gimnasia Jujuy set up in a compact 4-4-2, aiming to absorb pressure and strike on the counter. Their discipline in midfield frustrated Belgrano for long spells. Belgrano, deploying a 4-3-3, tried to stretch the pitch with wide play but often resorted to long-range efforts. The second goal came from exactly that – a moment of individual brilliance. However, Jujuy’s persistence from set pieces paid off, exposing a rare weakness in Belgrano’s zonal marking.

The match also highlighted the gulf in physicality: Belgrano dominated aerial duels early, but Jujuy’s relentless running in the final 20 minutes turned the tide. The home side’s pressing forced several misplaced passes, leading to the corner that produced the equaliser.

Standout Players

• Juan Cruz González (Gimnasia Jujuy): A constant threat on the break, his goal and intelligent movement troubled Belgrano’s full-backs.
• Bruno Zapelli (Belgrano): The midfielder’s stunning strike was a highlight, and his passing range kept Jujuy on the back foot.
• Sebastián Pol (Gimnasia Jujuy): Poacher’s instinct to score the equaliser, also worked tirelessly defensively.
• Nahuel Losada (Belgrano): Made two crucial saves in the first half to keep his side in the game.

What the Result Means

With the score locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes, both teams now face 30 minutes of extra time. A penalty shootout could be required to separate them. For Gimnasia Jujuy, a famous scalp is within reach, while Belgrano will need to recover mentally after letting a lead slip. The winner will advance to the next round of the Copa Argentina, keeping alive the dream of silverware and a potential spot in continental competition.

The match demonstrated the unique character of the Copa Argentina – an open, unpredictable knockout tournament where lower-league sides regularly push their top-division counterparts to the limit.