The Academy played the game it had to play, passed Verde and earned a result that put them on Boca’s heels as a top rival.
To race forward, there was a need to shed the Medellín image that had followed them. Staying alive in the Copa Libertadores demanded a fresh impression. The moment the tempo rose, Atlético Nacional built a three goal cushion, only to slip late and see the score move to 3-2. A late wakeup call followed as they pressed for a draw, but fatigue crept in and a second turnover left them vulnerable at 2-4. In the Cylinder, with the crowd backing the home side, the atmosphere turned brutal and electric all at once.
With a clear 4-3-3 setup and a commitment to Trapito Ojeda, the Academy pressed Verde from the opening whistle. Yet the defining factor was the presence of Roger Martínez, who struck a lethal header on his first real chance, opening the scoring with a goal that framed the match’s pivotal moment.
Equality could have arrived earlier, but it waited until the second half when the young Ojeda shifted to the right and composed himself with a poise beyond his years. Roger Martínez again sparked the attack, delivering a dangerous cross toward Hauche, and Aguirre converted to make it 3-0.
Nacional struggled to respond to the blows, managing only sporadic crosses while Arias remained untroubled, a solid presence between the posts. Racing took the initiative and intensified, keeping Boca within sight of the quarterfinals as the match progressed.
Copa Libertadores 2023 brings a new round of action with ads and match schedules announced, a reminder that the competition moves quickly from kickoff to the decisive moments on the field. The atmosphere in GOAL matches continued to radiate with energy and anticipation.
RACING – NACIONAL ATHLETE, MINUTE BY MINUTE
- The minute by minute narrative between the Academy and the Verde de la Montaña unfolds with intensity.
- RACING TARGET! The Academy celebrates, turning history on its head after Roger’s dribble, Aguirre finding the back of the net to widen the lead.
- RACING TARGET! Trapito Ojeda’s breakout moment, interpreted as reaching 200 appearances and delivering key right touches.
- RACING TARGET! A bold jump by Roger Martínez to meet the header and stretch the margin to threaten the series equalizer.
- The teams confirm their intent to push for a quarterfinal berth.
- Good evening and welcome to another GOAL broadcast. Racing faces Atlético Nacional in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores 2023 Round of 16 at the Presidente Perón Stadium.
THE TARGET EXAMPLE
HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING
The meeting between the Millionaire and the Colorado airs in Argentina on FOX Sports. In Colombia, Chile and Mexico the game is broadcast live on ESPN. In the United States, Bein Sports carries the action. Streaming options include Star+ for viewers in Mexico and South America.
FORMATION
TO RACE
Gabriel Arias; Tobias Rubio, Leonardo Sigali, Gonzalo Piovi, Gabriel Rojas; Jonatan Gomez, Anibal Moreno, Nicolas Oroz; Agustin Ojeda, Roger Martinez, Gabriel Hauche. DT: Fernando Gago.
NATIONAL ATHLETE
Harlen Castillo; Cristian Castro, Cristian Zapata, Juan Aguirre, Alvaro Angulo; John Solis, John Duque; Nelson Deossa, Maximiliano Cantera, Neyder Moreno; Jefferson Duke. DT: Diego Arias.
The march of the match highlights a clash defined by tempo, tactical discipline, and timely finishing that kept fans on edge from start to finish. The competition’s narrative threads emphasize how key moments can reframe a team’s prospects in this high-stakes continental tournament. The details above capture the pivotal exchanges, the strategic choices, and the raw emotion of a match that stood as a testament to the drama of the Copa Libertadores.