Racing came from two-down to earn what could be a vital point in Colombia against Deportivo Cali on Thursday night and sit top of a very tight group three at the halfway stage.

A really poor first half performance by Facundo Sava’s side in Palmira was punished by the home side as first, Andrés Roa wrong-footed Sebastián Saja and then Fabián Sambueza fired in a second.

However, Racing improved after the break and were gifted a way back in after a mix-up between defender Germán Mera and goalkeeper Ernesto Hernández. Both collided unchallenged when attempting to claim a Gustavo Bou cross and the loose ball was volleyed into the empty net by Leandro Grimi.

Lisandro López headed Racing level and the visitors suddenly looked the more likely winners but the grandstand finish was perhaps shelved when Francisco Cerro was sent off with five minutes remaining.

The result leaves Racing narrowly at the head of group three but perhaps the winners from last night’s draw were Boca Juniors, who despite having not won a game in this year’s competition remain only two points off the top. Boca host Bolívar and Racing welcome Deportivo Cali to Avellaneda in the next round of matches before the highly anticipated Racing-Boca game.

Deportivo Cali  2 – 2  Racing Club