Rosario Central kicks off the 2026 Clausura on Thursday at 19:30 at the Gigante de Alberdi against Belgrano, with Franco Cervi returning to the pitch after a decade in Europe and the team looking to turn the page on a rocky first half of the season. The Canalla, declared champions of the 2025 league by AFA decision, arrive with 15 points in 14 games in the Copa de la Liga Profesional, sitting 11th and 14 points behind leaders Boca Juniors, after losing 1-2 to Gimnasia L.P. on February 25.

What is Rosario Central aiming for in this match?

The immediate goal is to pick up three points to build momentum in a tournament that starts with relief after a tough first half. Central closed the first stretch with a painful elimination in the Copa Argentina against Estudiantes and a squad that lost key players, but now welcomes back Cervi, the 32-year-old midfielder returning after stints at Benfica and Celta de Vigo. The team, led by Jorge Almirón, needs to regain confidence and game time before their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 clash, where their opponent is already set.

The opponent: Belgrano chasing back-to-back titles

Belgrano arrives as runners-up in the Argentine league and dreaming of repeating the title they secured in May. The Pirata, coached by Ricardo Zielinski, have conceded 18 goals in 14 games this season and aim to start strongly at the Gigante de Alberdi. With over 40,000 fans expected, the Córdoba side brings Emiliano Rigoni and Lucas Zelarayán as offensive threats, but knows Rosario Central won’t be an easy opponent.

Rosario Central’s keys for the Clausura

Almirón’s side arrives with squad changes: Cervi’s return is the headline, but Tomás Badaloni’s confirmation as a starter and youngster Jaminton Campaz’s rise are also notable. The defense, anchored by Jeremías Ledesma and Gastón Ávila, must tighten up to avoid the 18 goals conceded so far. The midfield, with Franco Ibarra and Vicente Pizarro, will look to control tempo and link with Ángel Di María, still the team’s creative hub.

What comes after the match?

If Central picks up the three points, their next test is August 30 at home against Gimnasia L.P., a game that could shape their local campaign before the Libertadores. The Canalla, with an -8 goal difference, need to improve on their recent form: just one win in the last five matches and four defeats. Pressure for results is high, but Cervi’s return and Almirón’s experience could be the spark the team needs to turn the second half around.