Lucas Zelarayán Shines in Argentina: Goal, Assist and Victory over Racing
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
Armenia national team midfielder Lucas Zelarayán was the standout performer in Matchday 12 of the Argentine Clausura 2026, as Belgrano secured a 2–0 away victory over Racing Club. The visiting captain scored the opening goal and provided an assist for Franco Vázquez, earning the highest rating of any player on the pitch — 8.5 from SofaScore.
In the 41st minute, Zelarayán combined brilliantly with Lucas Passerini, received a return pass near the edge of the penalty area and fired a precise left-footed shot into the net off the post.
The Armenian midfielder was once again at the center of the action in the closing stages. This time, he turned provider, combining with Franco Vázquez, who sealed the 2–0 victory.
Lucas Zelarayán's Statistics vs Racing Club
Zelarayán delivered one of his best performances of the season, making an impact not only with his goal contributions but also through his creativity and involvement in attacking play.
- SofaScore rating: 8.5 — Man of the Match
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
- Shots: 4 (xG: 0.18)
- Big chances missed: 1
- Big chances created: 2
- Key passes: 4 (xA: 0.21)
- Accurate passes: 21 (68%)
- Successful dribbles: 1 out of 2
- Tackles: 1
- Ball recoveries: 3
- Duels won: 5 out of 12
Belgrano, who won the Argentine Apertura 2026 title, are continuing their pursuit of a second championship this year. Ricardo Zielinski's side remain among the Clausura frontrunners and, following their victory over Racing, have drawn level on points with the leading teams in Group B.
One of the key figures behind the team's success remains captain Lucas Zelarayán, who continues to lead Belgrano toward new achievements.
Armenian Footballers Enjoy a Remarkable Weekend Across the Americas
Zelarayán's impressive performance continued an extraordinary run of goals and assists by Armenian footballers across North and South America.
The previous day, Norberto Briasco-Balekian scored the first brace of his professional career, securing victory for Argentine side Barracas Central. Another potential Armenia international, Thomas Adoryan, scored for the second consecutive match, delivering a win for Banfield.
There were equally spectacular moments in the United States. Harvey Sarajian scored for Orlando City just 46 seconds into an MLS match following an assist from Antoine Griezmann, while Andrew Darakjian netted a spectacular winning goal for Michigan State in the NCAA college soccer championship.
In total, five footballers of Armenian descent registered goal contributions across competitions in the Americas over a single weekend, with each playing a direct role in their team's victory.