The Copa Libertadores delivered another thrilling chapter in the all-Argentine quarterfinal clash between Vélez Sarsfield and Racing Club. At the José Amalfitani stadium, La Academia secured a 0-1 win thanks to the decisive strike from Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez, who broke the deadlock and guided his team to a victory that could prove crucial ahead of the second leg.

Maravilla Martínez, the hero of the win

The key moment came in the 53rd minute. A quick connection between Santiago Solari on the left wing and Facundo Mura on the right ended with a precise cross that found Martínez inside the box. The forward, as opportunistic as ever, finished with a sharp strike that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.

The goal was the reward for the superiority shown by the 2024 Copa Sudamericana champions since the latter stages of the first half. The sending-off of Lisandro Magallán in the 43rd minute, after a heated exchange with Martínez and a harsh foul on Juan Ignacio Nardoni, tipped the balance in Racing’s favor.

A misfortunate Vélez

El Fortín never stopped fighting despite being a man down. In just 16 seconds during the first half, Michael Santos had two clear chances that could have changed the story, but poor finishing and bad luck turned against him. In the second half, when Aaron Quiróz appeared to have scored the equalizer, VAR intervened and disallowed the goal for a prior infringement.

The defeat left Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s team with the sense of having let a big opportunity slip, though they remain confident in their ability to turn the tie around in the second leg.

Advantage for Racing in Avellaneda

With this victory, La Academia not only takes three golden points but also heads into the return leg on September 23 at the Presidente Perón Stadium in Avellaneda with a psychological edge. The support of their home crowd will be an additional boost for Gustavo Costas’ men, who now have a semifinal spot within reach.

Even so, Racing knows the tie is far from over and that Vélez’s grit could still complicate matters in the rematch. What is clear is that the first battle was painted sky blue and white thanks to Maravilla Martínez’s opportunism, which delivered yet another historic night for the club.