In the renowned Gigante de Arroyito stadium, River Plate was able to overcome Racing Club, clinching a 1-0 victory in the second leg of the Copa Argentina. The match saw an early strike from Maximiliano Salas, who netted the only goal in the 4th minute of the first half to set the tone for the match.
Salas’s remarkable performance not only secured the win for his team but also earned him the title of ‘Man of the Match’. The River Plate forward showcased his skills by recording one goal and attempting three shots on target throughout the match.
Defensively, Lucas Martínez Quarta played a pivotal role, clearing 11 dangerous balls and providing essential support to maintain River Plate’s lead.
Racing Club’s coach, Gustavo Costas, opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Facundo Cambeses in goal; Facundo Mura, Franco Pardo, Nazareno Colombo, and Gabriel Rojas making up the defensive line; Santiago Sosa, Bruno Zuculini, and Agustín Almendra in midfield; and Santiago Solari, Adrián Martínez, and Tomás Conechny leading the attack.
On the other hand, Marcelo Gallardo’s River Plate lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, placing Franco Armani in goal; with Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Lautaro Rivero, and Marcos Acuña in defense; Kevin Castaño, Juan Carlos Portillo, Giuliano Galoppo, and Juan Fernando Quintero in midfield; and Maximiliano Salas paired with Facundo Colidio up front.
The match was officiated by referee Hernán Mastrángelo.
River Plate’s ambitions of advancing to the semifinals became a reality after their hard-fought victory over Racing Club.
Racing Club Substitutions
61’ 2T – Agustín Almendra replaced by Adrián Fernández, and Facundo Mura substituted for Gastón Martirena.
Racing Club Bookings:
15’ 1T – Agustín Almendra (Unsporting behavior), 44’ 1T – Adrián Martínez, 11’ 2T – Santiago Solari (Unsporting behavior), 53’ 2T – Adrián Balboa (Dissent), 56’ 2T – Gabriel Rojas (Dissent).
Racing Club Expulsion:
45’ 2T – Adrián Martínez (Red card for second yellow).
River Plate Substitutions
102’ 2T – Maximiliano Salas replaced by Santiago Lencina, 45’ 2T – Juan Fernando Quintero for Ignacio Fernández, 78’ 2T – Giuliano Galoppo replaced by Matías Galarza Fonda and Tomás Conechny for Duván Vergara, 85’ 2T – Facundo Colidio substituted by Miguel Ángel Borja, Nazareno Colombo by Marcos Rojo, and Bruno Zuculini by Adrián Balboa.
River Plate Bookings:
4’ 2T – Gonzalo Montiel (Unsporting behavior), 32’ 2T – Juan Carlos Portillo (Unsporting behavior), 53’ 2T – Marcos Acuña (Dissent), 56’ 2T – Kevin Castaño (Dissent).