Racing Club vs Peñarol ended in a thrilling 3-1 win for Racing, with Adrián Martínez’s brace and Franco Pardo’s stoppage-time header sending the Argentine side into the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals against Vélez Sarsfield.
Racing Club vs Peñarol: Dramatic 3-1 Comeback Secures Libertadores Quarterfinals
The Copa Libertadores never fails to deliver drama, and the Racing Club vs Peñarol clash in Buenos Aires proved to be another unforgettable night. Racing Club overturned a first-leg deficit with a stunning 3-1 victory, capped off by Franco Pardo’s stoppage-time header at El Cilindro. The result pushed Racing into the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, where they will face Argentine rivals Vélez Sarsfield.
Adrián Martínez Leads the Comeback
The match began with urgency, as Racing sought to erase their 1-0 defeat in Montevideo. Just seven minutes in, Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez equalized the aggregate with a poacher’s finish inside the box. This early strike set the tone for what would be a rollercoaster night in the Racing Club vs Peñarol showdown.
At the 15-minute mark, Peñarol responded through Nahuel Herrera, whose header from a corner silenced the home crowd and restored the visitors’ aggregate advantage. Racing pressed forward, and though Marcos Rojo appeared to score with a header, VAR ruled out the goal for an infringement.
The second half brought relentless pressure from Gustavo Costas’ side. In the 83rd minute, Martínez won and converted a penalty, making him the top scorer of the competition with six goals. His brace brought Racing level again, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale.
Franco Pardo’s Stoppage-Time Heroics
As the game approached stoppage time, the tie looked destined for penalties. Coach Gustavo Costas even substituted goalkeeper Gabriel Arias for Facundo Cambeses, preparing for the shootout. But Racing had other plans.
At the 94th minute, Gastón Martirena floated a free kick into the box, where Franco Pardo rose unmarked to head the ball past the Peñarol goalkeeper. The goal sent El Cilindro into chaos, sealing Racing’s 3-1 victory and completing one of the most dramatic Racing Club vs Peñarol encounters in Libertadores history.
“Es algo espectacular. Cuando la agarré, sabía que entraba,” Pardo said after the match, reflecting on his unforgettable goal.
Vélez Sarsfield Awaits in the Quarterfinals
The next challenge for Racing will be an all-Argentine quarterfinal against Vélez Sarsfield, who eliminated Fortaleza with a solid 2-0 win in Buenos Aires. Goals from Maher Carrizo and Tomás Galván highlighted Vélez’s efficiency, ensuring their eighth Libertadores quarterfinal appearance.
This sets up a fascinating matchup: Racing, current Copa Sudamericana champions, against a Vélez side with Libertadores pedigree, having won the tournament in 1994.
Other Libertadores Action: Sao Paulo Advances
Elsewhere in the round of 16, Sao Paulo edged Atlético Nacional on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation. Goals from André Silva and Alfredo Morelos kept the tie balanced, but Lucas Moura, Luciano, Enzo Díaz, and Cedric Soares converted from the spot to send Sao Paulo through.
The Brazilian giants will now await the winner between Liga de Quito and Botafogo, with the latter holding a slim advantage after the first leg.
Key Match Stats: Racing Club vs Peñarol
| Category | Racing Club | Peñarol |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 3 |
| Possession | 61% | 39% |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 2 (Rojo, Zuculini) | 0 |
| Top Scorer | Adrián Martínez (2) | Nahuel Herrera (1) |
The table underscores Racing’s dominance, despite disciplinary setbacks with red cards to Marcos Rojo and Bruno Zuculini.
Racing Club’s Road Ahead
With their Racing Club vs Peñarol triumph, the Argentine side has established itself as a serious contender for the 2025 Copa Libertadores. Their mix of attacking flair through Martínez, defensive grit from Pardo, and tactical guidance under Gustavo Costas suggests they can challenge the continent’s elite.
However, the upcoming clash against Vélez Sarsfield promises to be a test of resilience, especially with key players suspended.
FAQs
1. Who scored in the Racing Club vs Peñarol match?
Adrián Martínez scored twice for Racing, while Franco Pardo added the stoppage-time winner. Nahuel Herrera netted Peñarol’s only goal.
2. What was the aggregate score of Racing Club vs Peñarol?
Racing won the tie 3-2 on aggregate after losing 1-0 in Montevideo and winning 3-1 in Buenos Aires.
3. Who will Racing face in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals?
Racing Club will face fellow Argentine side Vélez Sarsfield.
4. Why was Marcos Rojo sent off?
Rojo was shown a red card for protesting referee decisions late in the match.
5. Who is the top scorer in the Copa Libertadores 2025?
Adrián Martínez leads the scoring charts with six goals after his brace in the Racing Club vs Peñarol game.