The all-Argentine clash between Vélez Sarsfield and Racing Club, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, ended with a 0-1 win for La Academia, but was overshadowed by refereeing controversies and VAR decisions. Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez’s goal proved to be the difference, though the match at the José Amalfitani stadium left plenty to discuss due to the plays reviewed and overturned by technology.

VAR changes the course of the match

The first major controversy came in the 43rd minute, when defender Lisandro Magallán was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in less than ten minutes. Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio confirmed his decision after review, leaving El Fortín with ten men before halftime. That action shaped the rest of the match and sparked protests from the home crowd.

The second key VAR intervention came in the 63rd minute, when a corner kick ended with a fine finish from Aarón Quirós, which would have leveled the score for Vélez. The goal was celebrated passionately in the stands, but after several minutes of review it was disallowed because the ball had crossed the line before the cross. The decision triggered outrage among the fans and Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s coaching staff, who could not believe their team’s misfortune.

The valid goal and a dramatic finish

Before those incidents, the scoreboard had already tilted in Racing’s favor. In the 53rd minute, a brilliant combination between Santiago Solari and Facundo Mura ended with an assist to striker Maravilla Martínez, who finished coolly to score the only goal of the match. The goal, without controversy this time, was enough for Gustavo Costas’ side to head to Avellaneda with the lead in the tie.

However, the tension didn’t end there. In stoppage time, substitute Matías Pellegrini came close to equalizing for Vélez, but Racing’s backup goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses produced a brilliant save to deny him and secure the win for his team.

An open tie with a taste of controversy

The 0-1 result gives Racing the advantage ahead of the second leg at the Presidente Perón Stadium, but also the pressure of having to close out the series at home. For Vélez, the feeling is bitter: despite creating clear chances and fighting with a man down, VAR played a decisive role in two moments that shaped the match.

The rematch in Avellaneda promises to be just as intense, with the controversy still fresh and a place in the Libertadores semifinals on the line.