ROSARIO, Argentina (Interstat) — In a Copa Argentina match defined by impactful substitutions, Argentinos Juniors upset Belgrano 2-1 on Thursday night at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, overcoming a heavily favored home side and defying pregame projections.

The visitors from Buenos Aires secured the victory with a second-half goal from substitute Hernán López Muñoz, which broke a deadlock and ultimately decided the contest. The result in this Round of 32 fixture advanced Argentinos Juniors in the domestic cup competition.

Belgrano, playing in front of its home supporters, entered the match as a significant favorite. According to the Interstat ELO system, the Córdoba-based club held a 66.90 percent probability of winning. The pregame simulation from the same service had forecast a 1-1 draw, making Argentinos Juniors’ outright victory a notable upset.

The game’s opening goal arrived in the 36th minute and came from a familiar source for Argentinos Juniors. Midfielder Lucas Zelarayán found the back of the net, giving the visiting side an early advantage. The assist on the play was credited to midfielder Leonardo Morales.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Belgrano responded with an equalizer just before the hour mark. In the 59th minute, substitute Tomás Molina scored for the home side to level the match at 1-1. The goal was set up by fellow substitute Sebastián Prieto, who was credited with the assist.

The deadlock lasted only moments. Argentinos Juniors reclaimed the lead for good almost immediately, with substitute Hernán López Muñoz scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal. The assist on the decisive play was delivered by substitute Francisco Álvarez.

The match was a physical affair, with the referee issuing nine yellow cards throughout the 90 minutes. The cautions began early, with Argentinos Juniors’ Leonardo Morales and Belgrano’s Sebastián Prieto booked in quick succession in the 23rd and 24th minutes, respectively.

Belgrano’s Gabriel Compagnucci and Franco Jara were shown yellow cards late in the first half, in the 42nd and 45+1 minutes. Argentinos Juniors’ Francisco Álvarez received a caution in the 54th minute.

The second half saw four more players booked: Belgrano’s Gerónimo Heredia in the 78th minute, Argentinos Juniors goalkeeper Thiago Cardozo in the 81st minute, and Belgrano’s Federico Fattori deep into stoppage time in the 90+2 minute.

Additional assists recorded in the game, beyond those on the scoring plays, were attributed to Belgrano’s Gabriel Compagnucci, Franco Jara, Gerónimo Heredia and Federico Fattori, and Argentinos Juniors’ Thiago Cardozo.

The victory gives Argentinos Juniors its first win of the season in all competitions, while Belgrano suffers its first loss. Both clubs now hold 0-0 records in the Copa Argentina for the season, as this match served as their opening fixture in the tournament. The result provides a significant early-season boost for Argentinos Juniors while handing a setback to a Belgrano side that was expected to advance.