Striker Julieta Alaides Paz scored Club Atlético Belgrano’s first goal in the Copa Libertadores Femenina during a 1–1 draw against Independiente del Valle in Quito, Ecuador. The milestone arrived in the 24th minute of the Group B opening fixture at the Estadio Banco Guayaquil, where the forward collected a pass from Raquel Polich before finishing past goalkeeper Alice Tosta.
An Unprecedented Continental Campaign for Belgrano
The result marks a historic entry into South America’s premier club tournament for the Córdoba-based side. Belgrano reached the continental competition after conquering the Trofeo de Campeonas 2025, where they defeated Newell’s Old Boys 4–2 on penalties following a scoreless draw. The squad arrived in Ecuador as the sole Argentine representative in the tournament and the first team from the interior of the country to dispute the competition.
Playing at 2,517 meters above sea level in Quito, the team faced immediate physical demands. Constanza Fulco described the conditions, noting that the players felt the shortness of breath during high-intensity sprints. Despite the altitude, the club secured a point despite finishing the match with ten players following a penalty converted by Karen Páez for Independiente del Valle in the 41st minute.
Julieta Alaides Paz and a Return to Professional Football
The goal crowned a remarkable personal comeback for Paz, who stepped away from professional football in 2016 to become a mother. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she remained entirely apart from the professional game while continuing in amateur competitions until Belgrano offered her a return to the top flight in 2023. Her prior continental experience included appearances in the Copa Libertadores during 2011 and 2012 with Nacional.
HISTÓRICO GOL 🏴☠️Julieta Alaides Paz anotó el primer tanto de Belgrano en la Copa Libertadores Femenina. pic.twitter.com/M7pxxXZGpq
That resurgence also carried Paz back to international duty. Her performances with the Piratas earned her a recall to the Uruguay national team after a nine-year absence, capped by a goal in a friendly match against Peru.
Managerial Emotion and the Growth of Córdoba’s Pioneers
Head coach Mariana ‘Pomu’ Sánchez reflected on the emotional weight of the club’s journey following the final whistle in Ecuador. Sánchez admitted she had spent the previous three days crying with emotion after years of fighting for visibility and resources in regional and amateur leagues. The technical staff’s roots with the club run deep, stemming from years spent competing in the Liga Cordobesa before earning promotion through the Argentine lower divisions.
That domestic rise saw Belgrano incorporate into Primera C in 2021 and claim the Primera B title in October 2022 with a 6–0 victory over Puerto Nuevo before a crowd of more than 28,000 spectators at Alberdi. By 2023, the club reached the final of the Copa de la Liga against Boca Juniors.
Group B Standings and Upcoming Fixtures in Ecuador
Belgrano shares Group B with Palmeiras of Brazil, Independiente del Valle of Ecuador, and Universitario of Peru. The Piratas will face Palmeiras on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 17:00 (Argentina time) at the Estadio Banco Guayaquil. The team will then close out the group stage against Universitario on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 21:00.
The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2026. Broadcast coverage for Belgrano’s group matches is provided via TyC Sports Play, Telefe Córdoba, and Pluto TV.
