In a match packed with emotion, the first half was all dancing, the second half all suffering, and the Academy finally clinched a 3-2 victory. That result keeps them atop Group A by a narrow margin.
Once again, a single game underscored why the Copa Libertadores is a tournament fueled by passion. At the Cilindro de Avellaneda, Racing and Aucas endured the full spectrum of weather and atmosphere, with the home side sealing the win that put them in a strong position to advance to the knockout phase of the competition.
Those who only watched the opening moments might think Racing cruised to victory, celebrating early. Yet the clock runs for 90 minutes, and the second half delivered drama and decisiveness. A controversial moment by the match official and a dramatic late intervention by Ángel shifted the balance, as a misread play near the goalkeeper’s boots became the turning point that favored Racing.
In the opening quarter of an hour, Racing demonstrated complete dominance, pressing from all angles with Romero and Nardoni causing trouble on the left. There could have been more goals, but a penalty that had already been awarded was overturned by VAR, and Paolo Guerrero could not stretch the advantage without another goal in his sight.
The second half turned into a nightmare for Racing as Castillo found space and converted a powerful shot that Arias could not control. Moments later a free kick curled in and Cangá headed the ball home to draw level. Were there more goals in store? A red card for Moralez, earned after a reckless challenge on a cross, left Racing with ten men and intensified the drama, with the decision confirmed after VAR review.
With momentum drained and frustration rising, Racing looked momentarily off balance. Then Ángel stepped forward, directing a header into his own goal to secure the final 3-2, lifting Racing to 6 points from six in a Group A that also features Flamengo, who begin their campaign as the defending champions.
Copa Libertadores 2023: the tournament schedule, commercials, and match timing
next in GOALthe party’s actions.
RACING – AUCAS, MINUTE BY MINUTE
- The minute by minute between the Academy and the Idol of Quito.
- RACING TARGET! When the Academy didn’t know how to reach the goal with 10, Ángel anticipated his goalkeeper and countered him
- Expelled Moralez! A rare red card for Maxi after a foot-to-foot contact on a cross, viewed as a foul by the referee
- AUCAS GOAL! A lapse in Racing’s defense allows Cangá to arrive and level the score
- AUCAS GOAL! Castillo shows persistence, takes his chance and completes the Ídolo’s comeback
- RACING TARGET! A fresh spark from the Academy with Romero assisting Nardoni for a goal
- RACING TARGET! Piovi’s cross finds Romero’s header to push Racing ahead again
- Aucas pushes for another breakout with quick attacks
- Without Matías Rojas and playing with a double number nine, the Gago-led Academy presses on
- Good evening and welcome to another GOAL broadcast. Racing faces Aucas on date 2 of the group stage of the 2023 Copa Libertadores at the Presidente Perón stadium.
THE TARGET EXAMPLE
HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING
The clash between the Academy and the Idol of Quito is carried on Fox Sports in Argentina and Chile. In Mexico, Colombia, and most of South America the broadcast is via ESPN. In the United States, the match is available on beIN Sports. Through streaming, Star+ offers access for viewers in Mexico and South America.
FORMATIONS
TO RACE
Gabriel Arias; Facundo Mura, Leonardo Sigali, Gonzalo Piovi, Gabriel Rojas; Juan Nardoni, Tomás Áviles, Jonatan Gómez; Gabriel Hauche, Paolo Guerrero and Maximiliano Romero. DT: Fernando Gago.
AUCAS
Hernan Galindez; Luis Canga, Dario Aimar, Wilker Angel; Pedro Perlaza, Romulo Otero, Jhonny Quiñonez, Carlos Cuero, Edison Caicedo; John Cifuentes and Erick Castillo. DT: Cesar Farias.
Source: Goal