The Academy rallied from a two-goal deficit in the second half, only to fall on penalties as Rosario Central celebrated.
The image of swimming hard only to reach shore, a recurring metaphor for Racing, showed a performance that was weak for much of the game during the first 75 minutes. When the pace finally picked up, the team managed to level, but they were ultimately defeated on penalties by Rosario Central, who earned a spot in the semi finals to face River.
The 2023 Professional League Cup match brought more questions than answers about the depth of Racing, as the team found it difficult to settle. Opportunities came from Hauche, Ojeda, and Joan Fernando Quintero, a notable presence on the field, yet none could convert. Rosario Central pressed with sustained intensity, forcing Arias to parry Mallo’s shot while Campaz failed to convert from the 12th spot. Then, as the momentum shifted, Agustín Sández delivered a second equalizer from a set piece that left the defense watching, unable to intervene.
Everything seemed to unravel for Racing, but Roger Martínez and Vecchio inspired a renewed attacking surge. The Colombian’s early goal and Vecchio’s penalty in the 94th minute drew the score level, smashing Broun’s attempts and signaling a dramatic finish. The shootout then began with Mallo and Moreno missing, keeping the tie even until Leo Sigalí’s bold move and Broun’s precise read of the final point kept Rosario Central in the running, arranging the best four of the match.
The game unfolded on Sunday, December 3, at 9:30 PM, with ESPN Premium and TNT Sports delivering the broadcast to fans in the region.
Minute-by-minute: Racing vs. Rosario Central from the 2023 League Cup quarterfinals
The live, direct recap of Racing versus Rosario Central in the League Cup 2023 quarterfinals: videos, lineups, goals, and controversies
- BROWN SHOT! Central’s goalkeeper stops Sigali’s attempt, the eighth shot in the sequence, sending the team to the semi finals
- RACING GOAL! A masterful strike from Juanfer places Racing on the brink of penalties
- A foul on Racing leads to a penalty awarded after VAR review for Quiñones’ handball
- RACING GOAL! Roger Meza takes a touch and finds the back of the net, keeping Racing alive
- CENTRAL GOAL! Agustín Sández finds space in the box and scores to make it 2-0
- CENTRAL GOAL! Campaz converts to put Canalla ahead at halftime
- Penalty for Rosario Central! A collision between Arias and Mallo prompts a spot kick after VAR review
- And these are the Canalla’s starting eleven
- Racing’s lineup confirmed, with Hauche at nine
Note: This summary reflects the match events as reported by Goal. (Goal)