Everyone throws their shirts around. Players and fans fold. The arms look like propellers and, after all, it is a flight into illusion. Racing has just reached an international final that he waited for three decades. He did it with conviction, personality, determination and heart, as these types of duels should be played. Also, with an extraordinary Juan Fernando Quintero. Y “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go to Acadé”it is shouted in the Cylinder. “We came to see you, we came to encourage you, hand in hand with Costas, we are going to return,” is sung by the emblem that was the mascot of José’s team, champion of the ’88 Super Cup as a footballer and is facing the challenge to crown as a coach. On November 23, in Asunción, he will face Cruzeiro in a head-to-head match for the Sudamericana. Yes, the same rival he defeated in that unforgettable feat 36 years ago.
From the doubts and the premature disadvantage to that explosion at the end of the first half. Racing went from the nerves generated by the context to two goals in three minutes. He played on board the emotions and the one who best understood the game was Juan Fernando Quintero. Not only because he shouted twice; Furthermore, because he was always the blue and white guide. Even at the most critical moment of the initial stage.
And if Quintero was the outstanding man in the Academy, Memphis Depay was the most enlightened in Corinthians. The Dutchman who embarked on the American adventure is pure elite. He moves with great category in small spaces. He had shown it in San Pablo and left Yuri Alberto in front of the goal again. He set up a wall with the “9” that required a magic cue to dismantle the entire defense and The center forward resolved against a rushed Gabriel Arias. The archer came out to the side, opened his legs and the shot filtered below his limbs.
Racing was troubled, imprecise and after four minuteswith a result that is difficult for its people to assimilate. And it was difficult for him to assert himself in that 4-3-3. He pushed, but he had no clarity. Except for Quintero, of course. Little by little, the Colombian began to handle the ball with driving, short dribbling and hitting the stopped ball.
However, Corinthians were very dangerous every time they recovered and found their rival numerically disadvantaged. And he almost finished the series with another masterful pass from Depay that Rodrigo Garro could not define hand in hand with Arias. This time, the goalkeeper bailed and covered with his chest.
Santiago Sosa was not lucid, always poised. Juan Nardoni lost in the middle. Maxi Salas and Maravilla Martínez collided. Until Agustín Almendra opened for Gabriel Rojas, the winger who was sharp on the left played for Salas and the hook of the brave “7” made José Martínez pass by. However, the Venezuelan swept with his arms wide open and committed a penalty that referee Felipe González took without hesitation.
So, Quintero stood in front of the ball and finished with great responsibility. Strong, up and in the middle. No subtleties. And the goal became flesh in the throats of their fans.
Y tThey were still celebrating in the stands when Salas quickly took a lateral -with the help of a ball reacher-, Maravilla assisted Juanfer and the Colombian defined against Hugo Souza. Corinthians fell asleep and Racing turned it around with the second goal from their great figure.
The Brazilian team was close to equalizing, but Arias once again showed all his reflexes to anticipate Yuri Alberto with his legs. Depay and Garro had created a great play.
Ramón moved the bench for the start of the second half. The Peruvian André Carrillo left and Alex Santana, a midfielder with a better outlook, entered. And after a while, he looked for answers in Breno Bidon and Talles Magno. The Riojan reinforced the attack and Racing countered with intensity. Especially with Nardoni, who grew noticeably, who transformed himself into an octopus to recover in the middle of the field.
And although Memphis and Depay once again put together a great play, Breno Bidon made a bad decision. Salas didn’t do well either after another excellent pass from Quintero. The striker’s shot was lost against the near post when it warranted a cross shot.
Costas understood that he had to put a strong leg in the middle and opted for Bruno ZuculiniAlmond replacement. The central steering wheel came in energized. And the game broke down because Corinthians played everything in the rival field and Racing held on with order and concentration, now without Quintero, exhausted, and with Luciano Vietto to put pressure on.
Corinthians filled the area with centers that the center backs returned. And the end was a burst of happiness for this club that has been chasing continental glory for so many years. With the Brazilians defining each international contest, Racing stood up for Argentina. One step is missing, of course. But there will be time to think about Cruzeiro. Now, all that’s left to do is celebrate.
The match summary
