Liga Profesional
Racing Club 1-1 Boca Juniors: Rojo penalty and Merentiel strike share the points in Avellaneda thriller
M. Rojo converted a 9th-minute penalty to put Racing ahead before Miguel Merentiel equalised for Boca Juniors in the 28th minute, with both sides settling for a point.
Racing Club and Boca Juniors played out a tense 1-1 draw in Avellaneda, with the hosts failing to hold onto an early lead despite a disciplined first-half performance.
M. Rojo gave Racing the lead from the penalty spot in the 9th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures as the ball rolled calmly into the bottom corner. The goal came after a VAR review confirmed a handball in the box, allowing Rojo to step up and convert the spot-kick with composure.
Boca Juniors responded just before the half-hour mark. In the 28th minute, Miguel Merentiel pulled his side level, finishing off a well-worked move that saw L. Flores provide the assist. The visitors grew in confidence after the goal and began to dictate play more effectively.
The first half ended 1-1, with both teams having chances to take the lead. Racing’s M. Martinez and Boca’s A. Costa both received early yellow cards as the tempo intensified, followed by E. Cannavo’s booking in the 41st minute.
The second half offered few clear-cut opportunities, with defenses tightening and the midfield battles dominating proceedings. T. Belmonte picked up a yellow card for Boca in the 75th minute, while L. Perez was booked late on for Racing.
Despite late pushes from both sides, neither could find a winner. The result leaves Racing Club 13th in Clausura - Group B with four points from five matches, while Boca Juniors sit 13th in Clausura - Group A with six points from the same number of games.
Referee N. Ramirez kept a tight rein on affairs throughout, with five yellow cards issued across the fixture. Both coaches — Gustavo Costas for Racing Club and Rodolfo Arruabarrena for Boca Juniors — will be satisfied with the point but disappointed not to secure all three.
The draw means both teams remain in the middle of their respective tables, with work to do if they hope to climb the standings in the weeks ahead.