CÓRDOBA, Argentina (Interstat) — In an opening-round match of Argentina’s Primera Nacional on Monday, visiting Union secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgrano, defying pregame projections with a stout defensive performance at Estadio Julio César Villagra.

The lone goal of the contest came from forward Gabriel Compagnucci, who found the net in the 86th minute to break a deadlock and seal the win for the visitors. The decisive play was set up by midfielder Leonardo Morales, who was credited with an assist on the goal.

The match, played on Nov. 17, 2025, was a defensive struggle for long stretches, a stark contrast to the expectations set by statistical models. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system gave Belgrano a 62.8 percent probability of winning on its home field.

Union’s victory was a collective effort, with key contributions coming from across the roster. Beyond the goal-scorer and primary assister, substitutes Julián Palacios and Agustín Colazo, along with midfielder Lautaro Gutierrez, were all noted for their pivotal roles in the match-winning sequence.

The game was a physical affair, reflected in five yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. The cautions began early, with Union’s Agustín Colazo receiving a yellow in the 17th minute. His teammate, Julián Palacios, was booked in the 53rd minute. Belgrano’s challenges were also met with discipline, as Leonardo Morales was shown a yellow in the 78th minute, followed by Lautaro Gutierrez in the 86th. Gabriel Compagnucci, the goal-scorer, received a yellow in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.

With the result, Union begins its campaign in the Primera Nacional with a record of one win and zero losses. Belgrano starts its season with zero wins and one loss. The records apply to both the teams’ standing in this competition and their overall record across all competitions for the season.

The shutout win on the road provides a significant early boost for Union in the league table, while handing Belgrano a disappointing start in front of its home supporters in Córdoba.