Racing made hard work of securing victory against lesser opponents but following last week’s defeat to Nacional, Sebastián Beccacece’s side made their passage to the last 16 almost certain with a 2-0 win over Alianza Lima.
Between Nicolás Reniero seeing a penalty saved, Héctor Fértoli and debutant Lorenzo Melgarejo hitting the woodwork and a host of missed chances, Racing risked being held by Alianza Lima or worse when the hosts did on occasion venture forward during the second half.
Instead two minutes from time substitute Tiago Banega broke the deadlock after exchanging passes with Fértoli and almost immediately after Benjamín Garré wrapped it up.
Next week’s trip to Uruguay to play Nacional will decide top spot in Group F but with a place in the next round all but secured it’s mission accomplished for La Academia.
Alianza Lima 0 – 2 Racing Club
Defensa y Justicia still have plenty to do but have given themselves a great chance of progressing after defeating Olimpia in Florencia Varela.
Goals from Washington Camacho and Braian Romero gave El Halcón a two-goal advantage which was boosted further with Olimpia’s Hernesto Caballero being sent off. Isidro Pitta managed to pull a goal back for the ten-men but Hernán Crespo’s side held on.
Santos look firm favourites to win Group G but Defensa y Justicia are pushing Olimpia for that second spot.
golazo argentino 