With goals from Martirena, Carbonero, and Roger Martínez, Gustavo Costas' team secured a 3-0 victory, their first success in the tournament. Argentinos Juniors' Álvarez was sent off during the match.
Racing solidified their recovery on Monday with a decisive 3-0 win against Argentinos Juniors at the Presidente Perón Stadium for the second round of the 2024 Professional League. Following a frustrating 4-4 draw with Belgrano, combined with their elimination from the Copa Argentina and a setback against Bragantino in the Sudamericana, La Academia had previously bounced back with a resounding win against Coquimbo Unido, which they reaffirmed tonight in front of their home crowd.
Gustavo Costas' team displayed clear superiority in the first half, though they didn't take a larger lead due to the impressive performance of Diego Rodríguez. The goalkeeper made two remarkable saves against Agustín Almendra and stopped a free kick from Maxi Salas before the home side took the lead at 25 minutes. Gabriel Rojas sent a deep cross from the left, which Gastón Martirena—starting unexpectedly due to Facundo Mura's injury—struck first-time to score low past the right post.
Just before the break, Alan Lescano missed a header that could have leveled the score, Johan Carbonero lacked accuracy to extend the lead, and Gabriel Arias blocked a one-on-one attempt from Gastón Verón. To fully capitalize on their dominance, La Academia needed more efficiency.
When Francisco Álvarez received a red card for a second yellow at 57 minutes, due to elbowing Maravilla Adrián Martínez, the path seemed clear for the hosts. Indeed, at 62 minutes, Carbonero made a solo run from the left to the center and scored with a low shot to the near post, doubling the lead. With Pablo Guede's team offering no response, Racing sensed an opportunity to seal the win. Substitutes played a key role again when Juanfer Quinteros, recently brought on, combined well with Martirena, who then crossed for another substitute, Roger Martínez, to head in the third goal at the far post.
The comprehensive win brought a festive atmosphere to Avellaneda, restoring faith in Racing, while it added to the concerns of Argentinos Juniors, who suffered a heavy defeat against Corinthians in the Sudamericana and another blow in the league.
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