Racing Club secured a significant victory over Belgrano in Copa of Argentina, in a match played on March 22, 2026, which saw goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses emerge as the big hero of the night. The triumph, which saw the decisive participation of several players in key moments, consolidated the team’s performance in Córdoba, despite a goal conceded, showing the squad’s resilience and ability to overcome in an eliminatory clash.
The match was marked by moments of intense pressure and turnovers, where defensive efficiency and attacking aim were crucial. Racing knew how to capitalize on opportunities and, even in the face of adversity, such as a penalty and dangerous moves by Belgrano, they maintained control to guarantee a positive result. The individual assessment of the athletes reveals the pillars of this victory and the points that require attention for the next challenges in the competition.
Facundo Cambeses’s decisive performance, in particular, highlighted the importance of a goalkeeper in great form, capable of changing the course of a match with miraculous interventions. Seu performance was one of the main factors for Racing to maintain its advantage and leave the field with three points, advancing to Copa from Argentina.
Cambeses: the team’s defensive pillar
Facundo Cambeses was, without a doubt, the star of the match, with a score of 9.0. Sua’s heroic performance included saving a penalty taken by Uvita Fernández, a move that could have drastically changed the outcome of the game. Próximo at the final whistle, he also made two spectacular saves in one-on-one shots from Zelarayán and in a direct duel with Gutiérrez, demonstrating sharp reflexes and an impeccable reading of the game.
In addition to these crucial interventions, Cambeses had made a vital save from a dangerous free kick by Zelarayán, which bounced before reaching the goal. Sua’s presence on goal brought security to the Racing defense, and despite having conceded a goal, they were not at fault for the move, proving to be the team’s highlight of the night. In 90 minutes on the field, he had 8 shots on goal and an accuracy of 64%, numbers that reinforce his constant activity.
His impact was so great that he not only prevented Belgrano from expanding or drawing, but also motivated his teammates to maintain their intensity. A goalkeeper’s quiet leadership that inspires confidence is an invaluable asset in high-pressure games, and Cambeses delivered just that when the team needed it most.
Defense and midfield: between solidity and opportunities
Ezequiel Mesmo after receiving a yellow card, he maintained his defensive intensity throughout the 90 minutes, with 3 duels won and 81% passing accuracy. Marco Di Cesare, scored 8.0, scored the winning goal with a header, after a deflection from Santiago Sosa. Sua atuação defensiva foi impecável, com boa marcação e atenção às interceptações, garantindo uma saída de bola segura e uma precisão de 83% em seus 85 minutos em campo.
Marcos Rojo, with 5.0 points, had a night of ups and downs. Apesar, having initiated an attack that resulted in a goal, failed to clear the ball with a poor pass in midfield, resulting in a goal for Belgrano. Suas hesitations with the ball almost cost another goal, highlighting moments of risk, although his marking was solid. Gabriel Rojas, rated at 7.0, was fundamental in taking the free kick that led to the turning goal and participated in Racing’s first goal, showing consistency by not being overcome defensively in 90 minutes, with 5 duels won and 71% accuracy.
Bruno Santiago Sosa, with 7.0 points, was crucial in Di Cesare’s goal by deflecting the ball with his head. Iniciou with inaccurate passes, but recovered, dominating the aerial game in his own area and making important tackles, with 72% accuracy in 90 minutes.
Flanks and attack: varied contributions
Gastón Martirena, with just 4.5 points, had a very weak first half, appearing disoriented between midfield and the wing. Contudo showed improvement in the second half, delivering a powerful shot saved by Cardozo and a good cross for Maravilla. Sua passing accuracy was 81% in 90 minutes. Já Adrián Fernández, with 7.0 points, scored a beautiful goal, a shot that hit the post and went in. Sua participation in the game was not constant, but when he touched the ball, he handled it with quality and sacrificed himself in marking, achieving 89% accuracy in 85 minutes.
Tomás Conechny, with 5.0 points, opened space on the left and passed to Toto Fernández before the goal. Ele also dropped back to help recover the ball, demonstrating fight and winning aerial balls. In 90 minutes, its accuracy was 75%. On the other hand, Santiago Solari, with 4.0 points, had a weak offensive performance and committed the penalty for handballing after Morales’s shot. Sua accuracy of 60% in 59 minutes reflects the difficulties encountered in the field.
Bank entries and strategic impact
The substitutions made by coach Gustavo Costas in the second half were important to maintain the team’s rhythm and consistency. Alan Forneris, who came on for Zuculini, received a yellow card almost immediately, but showed a lot of fight, despite some inaccuracy with the ball. Sua entry aimed to reinforce the midfield and marking capacity.
Adrián Martínez, who replaced Solari, had a more offensive impact. Ele headed the ball against the crossbar after an excellent cross from Martirena, almost increasing the score for Racing. In 31 minutes, his 100% passing accuracy underlines his effectiveness in the moments he was on the field, adding danger to the attack.
Franco Agustín García Basso and Nazareno Colombo were activated in the last five minutes, respectively in place of Adrián Fernández and Di Cesare, to further solidify the defense. Colombo, in particular, made a good tackle on Passerini, showing that the depth of the squad was a positive factor in maintaining the result.
The technician’s vision and future challenges
Gustavo Sua’s choice to place Martirena and Solari in more advanced positions was also notable, seeking to surprise the opponent. Apesar despite some performances below expectations from certain players, the team proved to be cohesive and well trained.
The team demonstrated a good overall performance, with moments of individual brilliance and a fighting spirit that guaranteed advancement in Copa from Argentina. The victory over Belgrano is an important step in the competition, and the detailed analysis of each player offers valuable insights for Costas to adjust the team and prepare it for the upcoming clashes. The search for consistency and improvement of individual performances will be crucial for Racing to continue advancing in the search for the title.
Copa of Argentina is known for its unpredictable nature and the ability for smaller teams to surprise giants. Para o Racing, each victory is a test of their strength and squad depth, and the match against The team now turns to preparing the next steps, aware that delivery and strategy will be decisive.
