Racing Club
Racing Club Edge Gimnasia in Clausura Thriller
Racing Club snatched a 2-1 victory over Gimnasia La Plata in a pulsating Clausura opener at El Cilindro, where Nazareno Colombo’s 69th-minute header proved decisive after the visitors had squandered a golden chance to lead from the penalty spot.
Racing Club’s Lightning Start
The home side exploded from the blocks like a team possessed, Matko Miljevic firing Racing ahead after just six minutes with a clinical finish from Santiago Solari’s cutback. The early goal sent the packed stands into raptures, but celebrations turned to anxiety when Alejandro Tello picked up a yellow card two minutes later for a reckless challenge.
Gimnasia Fight Back
Gimnasia showed their teeth in the 32nd minute when Bautista Barros Schelotto – son of former Boca Juniors legend Guillermo – ghosted in at the far post to level. The momentum swung violently when Marcelo Torres won a penalty ten minutes later, only to blaze his spot-kick over the bar in a moment that would haunt the visitors. Torres’ misery was compounded when he was immediately substituted – a decision that drew furious protests from the striker.
Racing Club’s Second Half Resurgence
Gustavo Costas’ halftime changes injected fresh energy into Racing, with substitute Leonardo Diaz immediately stretching Gimnasia’s backline. The pressure told when Miljevic turned provider, floating a perfect cross for Colombo to power home the winner with 21 minutes remaining. Gimnasia’s frustration boiled over late on as they collected three yellow cards, their xG of 1.85 telling the story of missed opportunities.
What This Means For Both Sides
For Racing, this smash-and-grab victory – achieved despite being out-expected-goaled – sets the perfect tone for their Clausura campaign. Gimnasia will rue Torres’ penalty miss and their inability to build on Barros Schelotto’s equalizer, leaving Mariano Messera with defensive questions after conceding 18 shots. Both sides face tough matchups next week, with Racing traveling to Banfield while Gimnasia host defending champions River Plate.
Key Moments
6′ ⚽ Racing Club — M. Miljevic (assist: S. Solari)
32′ ⚽ Gimnasia L.P. — B. Barros Schelotto
69′ ⚽ Racing Club — N. Colombo (assist: M. Miljevic)🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
