Racing’s 1985 Redemption: A dramatic Return to Argentina’s First Division
Forty years ago this Saturday, Racing Club de Avellaneda secured a pivotal 1-1 draw against Atlanta at the Monumental stadium, marking their triumphant return to Argentina’s top-flight football league. The promotion, born from desperation adn fueled by a last-minute coaching change, remains a cornerstone of the club’s history, a testament to resilience and the unwavering passion of its fanbase.
The story of Racing’s ascent from the second division is a compelling narrative of behind-the-scenes maneuvering, fateful encounters, and the unwavering belief of key figures within the club. As recounted by Juan De Stefano, former president of Racing, the turning point arrived during a moment of despair following a loss to Colón. “I was drinking a beer, desperate,” De Stefano revealed, “when Victor Hugo Morales called me and said, ‘Juan, what are you going to do now?'” His response – a call for the removal of then-coach Cayetano Rodríguez – set in motion a chain of events that would alter the course of the club’s destiny.
Morales’s intervention proved crucial,as he informed De Stefano that Alfio “Coco” Basile,a highly respected manager,was available. “Victor Hugo warned me: ‘alfio Basile is no longer in Vélez. He is in Mar del Plata now,'” De Stefano recalled. A swift call to journalist Russian Ramenzoni facilitated contact with Basile, and a meeting soon followed. Basile’s commitment wasn’t driven by financial gain. “Are you crazy or drunk?” he reportedly responded when asked about his salary expectations. “What interests
me is to get Racing back to where it belongs.” Basile’s arrival injected a new sense of optimism and tactical discipline into the team.
Though,the path to promotion was far from smooth. Key players faced notable challenges, including Claudio costas, whose knee injury was so seri-ous, even requiring surgery from a doctor affiliated with rival club Independiente, Miguel Fernández Schnoor, due to complications. Costas persevered, undergoing extensive rehabilitation, including exercises in the sand and countless trips up and down the steps of the Racing stadium.
The emotional weight of the promotion campaign extended beyond the players and coaches.Tita Mattiussi, a legendary figure deeply connected to the club, embodied the hopes and anxieties of the Racing faithful. According to De Stefano, she pleaded with him to find a way to lift the team out of the second division, becoming “the cloth of the tears of the kids who were suffering at that time.” Her unwavering dedication and presence served as a constant reminder of the club’s rich history and the expectations of its supporters.
the promotion campaign itself consisted of 42 matches, culminating in a dramatic playoff against Atlanta. Racing secured a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg, but the series was far from over, as the away goals rule was not in effect. The return leg proved to be a tense affair, but a goal from Néstor Sicher secured a 1-1 draw, sealing Racing’s return to the top flight. Sicher, who tragically passed away in September 2023, later recalled the immense obligation he and his teammates felt, emphasizing the need to deliver for the fans.
The victory was not without its shadows. The quarterfinals against Banfield were marred by the tragic murder of a 20-year-old Racing fan, Daniel Alejandro Souto, a victim of violence perpetrated by a rival club’s barra brava (organized supporters group). The incident underscored the darker side of Argentine football and the dangers faced by passionate supporters.
Beyond the on-field drama, the promotion marked a new beginning for Racing at the institutional level, with Héctor Rinaldi elected as the club’s new president on the very day of their return to the first division. The journey back to the elite had been arduous, but it laid the foundation for future success, including the Super Cup victory in 1988.
De Stefano reflects on the campaign with a mix of pride and emotion, admitting to shedding tears after several games, believing Racing deserved better.the 1985 promotion wasn’t just about football; it was about restoring hope,rekindling passion,and reaffirming the enduring spirit of a club deeply rooted in the hearts of its fans. It was a moment that continues to resonate with Racing supporters today, a reminder of the power of perseverance and the unwavering pursuit of glory.
