Racing Club have not been accustomed to losing since Sebastián Beccacece took charge and few would have predicted a visit from Atlético Tucumán would have produced only a second loss of the manager’s tenure. El Decano had been in action on Thursday evening in the Copa Sudamericana against Racing’s neighbours Independiente and yet on Sunday put four past the Copa Libertadores hopefuls.
Lisandro López had a goal ruled out for the slightest of offside calls before Racing’s uncharacteristic defending allowed Atlético to take control. Ramiro Carrera slammed in the opening goal before youngster Ramiro Ruiz Rodriguez volleyed a second in similar circumstances with Racing slow to react to the second and third ball in their own penalty box.
The home side failed to tighten up after the break allowing Guillermo Acosta to make it three and although Mauricio Martínez pulled one back with a superb curling effort from distance, Kevin Isa Luna wrapped it up off the bench.
Atlético now focus on Thursday’s Copa Sudamericana second leg against Independiente while Racing hope to bounce back immediately next Sunday away to Unión.
Racing Club 1 – 4 Atlético Tucumán
Unlike Racing, Defensa y Justicia didn’t manage to reach the Copa Libertadores last 16 but were also surprisingly undone on home soil by a lively Colón side.
A towering header by Federico Lértora gave Colón a first half lead and as Defensa y Justicia looked for an equaliser after the break, El Sabalero took advantage on the counter. Substitute Luis Pulga Rodríguez rolled in a second before the impressive Alex Vigo set up Cristian Bernardi for a splendid third.
Colón play Independiente in Avellaneda next Monday and could already take a commanding grip of Group 2 with another three points.
Just as they were on Thursday in the Copa Sudamericana, Independiente needed a bit of luck and an excellent performance from new goalkeeper Sebastián Sosa to beat Central Córdoba in Santiago del Estero. Claudio Riaño slicing the ball into his own net in the opening five minutes was enough to gift El Rojo victory as Lucas Pusineri’s second-string side held on for three points.
And lastly in Santa Fe, the league intervened to ensure the security was paid to avoid another postponement but the reward was a goalless draw between Unión and Arsenal.
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