Racing is the champion of the Copa Sudamericana 2024. In a duel held this Saturday afternoon (23/11), at the La Nueva Olla stadium, in Asunción, Paraguay, the Argentines beat Fernando Diniz's Cruzeiro 3-1. The goals were scored by Matirena and Adrían Martínez in the first half. In the second, Kaio Jorge pulled a goal back for Raposa and, despite pressure from the Brazilians, the draw was not achieved. In the end, there was still time for Roger Martínez to seal the Brazilian defeat.
This was the first South American title in the history of Racing, which already has a Libertadores in its history, won in 1967.
For Cruzeiro, it remains to try to secure a place for the Libertadores 2025 via the Brasileirão. In the competition, they are currently in 7th place, with 47 points.
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Racing x Cruzeiro: how it was
Racing started at full steam, scoring the first goal of the game after just 2 minutes, with Martirena. However, after a long VAR review, the offside was called. At 15, the full-back “took a risk” again and, this time, managed to actually open the scoring in the duel. After trying to cross, the ball surprised Cássio and covered the Raposa goalkeeper.
Four minutes later, after an excellent pass by Salas, a cross into the area left Adrían Martínez with the goal open to expand. On Cruzeiro's side, the best opportunities were with Kaio Jorge and Villalba, but they were unable to escape Arias.
Cruzeiro started the second half with a different stance. Right at xx, Matheus Henrique made a great move and crossed for Kaio Jorge to complete his own rebound and reduce it. Sensing the best moment in the match, Raposa launched the attack and occupied more of Racing's field, which assumed a more defensive posture and did not allow the opponent to create more dangerous moves.
With Raposa pressing and offering the field to the opponent, Racing managed to expand in the 50th minute with Roger Martínez to seal the victory and guarantee the South American title.
MORE: Who is Martirena, who opened the scoring for Racing in the final against Cruzeiro with a great goal?
Racing x Cruzeiro: goals
Racing opened the scoring for real “again” with Martirena. Cruzeiro was pressured when the ball was released and Martirena, somewhat by accident, took a risk on the right and caught Cássio by surprise, through coverage, in the 15th minute.
Racing's second goal didn't take long to come. After a long ball thrown to Salas, the winger looked well into the area and made a precise cross for Adrián Martínez to complete.
Cruzeiro responded at the beginning of the 2nd half. After a good play by Matheus Henrique, Kaio Jorge headed the ball and Arias made a great save. However, on the rebound, number 19 was unforgiving and reduced it.
At 50, Roger Martínez took advantage of the space, advanced to the right and shot a cross against Cássio, to seal the title.
MORE: Cruzeiro x Racing: who won the confrontation more times?
Racing x Cruzeiro: lineups
Racing: Arias; Di Césare, Sosa, Basso, Martirena; Nardoni, Almendra (Zuculini), Rojas, Quintero (Solari); Salas and Adrián Martínez (Roger Martínez). Technical: Gustavo Costas.
Cruise: Cassio; William, João Marcelo, Villalba, Marlon (Kaique Kenji); Walace (Lucas Silva), Lucas Romero (Lautaro Díaz), Matheus Henrique, Matheus Pereira; Gabriel Veron (Barreal) and Kaio Jorge. Technical: Fernando Diniz.
Yellow cards: Basso, Nardoni, Di Cesare (RAC); Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Matheus Pereira (CRU)
Goals: Martirena (14'/1st Q), Adrián Martínez (19'/1st Q), Kaio Jorge (7'/2nd Q), Roger Martínez (50'/2nd Q)
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