Rosario Central kicked off the Clausura 2026 with a 2-1 defeat against Belgrano at the Gigante de Arroyito. Leonardo González’s side failed to pick up points in their home opener and now go three games without a win, with fans demanding quick answers.

What happened in the match?

Rosario Central started strongly against Belgrano but conceded two goals in the second half. Córdoba’s side took all three points thanks to a brace from Lucas Passerini, who exploited gaps in the home side’s central defense. Maximiliano Lovera’s late consolation goal wasn’t enough to avoid defeat, in a game where defensive errors-already seen in pre-season-resurfaced.

Ángel Di María’s take on the national team

While the Rosario club searched for its first win of the new season, Ángel Di María-speaking from the Argentina national team camp-reflected on the post-2026 World Cup cycle. The ex-Rosario Central player praised the national team’s path to the final, which included a 2-1 semi-final win over England. "The win over England was a great joy for all of Argentina, and that made me very happy," Di María told TyC Sports.

For the former winger, the World Cup effectively ended in that match. "Sometimes you win finals and sometimes luck isn’t on your side, but they raised the name of the national team high," he added. On Lionel Messi, Di María was unequivocal: "I think he has many years ahead. At 39, he’s still one of the best in history, and there are no limits to what he can do."

Where does Rosario Central stand now?

Rosario Central finished 2024 in 11th place in the Copa de la Liga Profesional with 15 points from 4 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses in 14 games. The Clausura 2026 start has been uneven: over the last five matches, they have just one win and four losses (WLLLL), with a goal tally of 10 scored and 18 conceded (-8 goal difference). Their last win came against Gimnasia L.P. on 25 February 2026, but consistency has been hard to find since then.

Their next test comes on 30 August 2026, when Rosario Central host Gimnasia L.P. at the Gigante de Arroyito. Fans are hoping for a return to attacking form and fixes to the defensive lapses that have cost points early in the campaign.