With goals from Adrián Martínez and Colombian Juan Fernando Quintero, the Argentinian Racing defeated Chilean Huachipato 0-2 this Tuesday, August 13, at Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar, taking a strong step towards the quarter-finals of the South American Cup, with the return leg to be decided next week in Avellaneda.
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The Academy took the lead in the 32nd minute with a subtle touch at the edge of the area from Adrián Martínez, who received a pass from Johan Carbonero from the left when the locals struggled to penetrate.
Then in the second half came the penalty goal converted by Juan Fernando Quintero in the 89th minute after a foul was called on the striker ‘Maravilla’ Martínez by goalkeeper Fabián Cerda inside the area.
Huachipato had begun the match with total pressure on the visitors, but Racing took more initiative and command.
In the early minutes, the steelworkers tried with midfielders Gonzalo Montes and Leandro Díaz, but their shots went off target, and the clearest opportunity was a header from uruguayan forward Thiago Vecino that went over the Racing goal; they also had a chance through Gabriel Rojas in the air, but goalkeeper Fabián Cerda was attentive to his shot, and then Martínez hit the crossbar in what was his first warning before the first goal.
The negriazules tried all the avenues with their star striker Vecino, but the defense from Avellaneda held firm to avert danger, including Chilean goalkeeper Gabriel Arias.
After the goal, the players guided by Spanish Igor Oca looked for the goal through Sebastián Sáez, although he lacked direction in his shot, and the rest of the attempts lacked effectiveness, and they went to halftime one goal down.
Paraguayan Cris Martínez entered the area to try to level the score for Huachipato at the beginning of the second half, but his left-footed shot went high. Although he was very active, he could not convert.
Maximiliano Gutiérrez, who came on in the second half for the Uruguayan Vecino, had the clearest chances, but the steelworkers had the goal sealed.
Midfielders Agustín Almendra and Luis Rodríguez generated options for Racing, who did not give up on seeking a more substantial victory to face the return leg at home with more peace of mind next Tuesday, and they achieved it with the penalty kick.
The defense of the Oca team faced difficulties defensively and could have conceded another goal with an own goal from Benjamín Gazzolo around the 68th minute of the match.
The winner of the tie will advance to the quarter-finals and will face the winner of the series between Athletico Paranaense and Belgrano de Córdoba in the final eight.