Racing rise to second after 2-0 win over Boca Juniors

Updated: Feb 9, 2025, 08:17 am

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BUENOS AIRES, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Luciano Vietto's early strike and Adrian Martinez's late header gave Racing Club a 2-0 home win over Boca Juniors in the Apertura tournament of the Argentine Primera Division on Saturday.

Racing bounced back from last week's 2-0 loss at Estudiantes, climbing to second in Group A on nine points. Boca remain in 11th place with five points after winning just one of their four games.

Racing dominated the first half and broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Vietto. Winger Santiago Solari received the ball in midfield after a quick, chaotic throw-in by Gaston Martirena. Solari then crossed to forward Vietto, who slotted home from close range.

"On the throw-in, I believe there was a 15-meter advantage for the opponent. I've seen many times where they make them throw it from further back, so it didn't seem right to me, Boca coach Fernando Gago said after the game.

Vietto could have doubled Racing's lead 12 minutes after the opener but his shot flew over the bar. Boca saw opportunities to equalise after the break but Edinson Cavani's shot was saved by Racing goalkeeper Gabriel Arias, and Juan Barinaga's effort went just over the bar.

Martinez sealed Racing's win in the 87th minute. Unmarked in the box, he headed in a rebound after Boca goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin had denied Maximiliano Salas' effort.

"It was a fair win, I think we were superior in all areas," Solari said.

"They may have had a little more possession (in the second half), but we created many chances (and) I don't remember any of theirs."

Boca were reduced to 10 men just two minutes after Martinez's header when substitute Kevin Zenon was sent off for a tackle on Salas.

Earlier, Boca had appealed for a penalty in the 79th minute, claiming Frank Fabra was fouled in the box, citing a shove and handball by Racing's Juan Nardoni, but VAR upheld the original decision and not to award it.

Racing next face Tigre away and Boca are set to host Independiente Rivadavia on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Saad Sayeed and Jacqueline Wong)