The priorities of both sides were clear on Thursday night as Atlético Tucumán secured a fourth straight win to progress in the Copa Liga Profesional while Racing Club succumbed to a fourth consecutive defeat as focus remains solely on next week’s Copa Libertadores last 16 clash.

Racing manager Sebastián Beccacece selected a second-string side for the trip north as promised and it was little surprise that an in-form Atlético proved too much.

That after being gifted an opportunity to take the lead. Youngster Santiago Godoy, who had replaced the injured Darío Cvitanich early on, won his side a penalty despite clearly being fouled by goalkeeper Cristian Lucchetti outside the area. And with the spot kick meaning the veteran keeper stayed on the field, it allowed Lucchetti to save Fabricio Domínguez’s effort from 12 yards.

Soon after Lucas Melano drilled the hosts in front and 20 minutes from time Leonardo Heredia wrapped up the points. A long throw into the penalty box was flicked on and Heredia beat defender and goalkeeper to the loose ball to clip it into the net.

The victory sees Atlético as the first team into the Fase Campeonato while Racing already prepare for Tuesday’s visit of Flamengo in the Libertadores.