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Botafogo turns the score around against Racing in a balanced game at El Cilindro for the Sulamericana

Junior Santos Botafogo
Junior Santos Botafogo - Foto: Celso Pupo / Shutterstock.com

Botafogo turned the score around and leads the first half against Racing by 2 to 1. The game for the second round of the group stage of the Copa Sul-Americana takes place at Estádio Presidente Perón, at Avellaneda, at Argentina. The match started around 7pm on Brasília this Wednesday.

Racing opened the scoring early with a goal from Santiago Sosa. Botafogo reacted and turned things around with goals from Arthur Cabral and Júnior Santos. The first half continues with pressure from both teams and several chances created.

Starting pressure of Racing

Racing dominated the first minutes and created danger after just three minutes. A free kick in the area resulted in a header from Santiago Sosa after goalkeeper Neto failed. Botafogo tried to respond with long throws, but the Argentine defense kept away the main threats.

In the 11th minute, Colombo went up alone and headed the ball dangerously, but Neto made a great save. Pouco later, Martínez almost expanded with a shot inside the area, blocked by Ferraresi. The home team populated the attacking midfield and forced Botafogo to close down.

  • Santiago Sosa scored Racing’s first goal after three minutes
  • Neto prevented at least two clear goals in the opening minutes
  • Martínez and Conechny led the main arrivals of Racing

Botafogo reacts and draws

Botafogo grew into the match after 20 minutes. Aos 22 minutes, Ferraresi launched into the area, Colombo cut poorly and the ball fell to Arthur Cabral. The attacker invaded the area and hit Cambeses to tie the game.

The Rio team started to work the ball better in the attacking field. Júnior Santos and Matheus Martins had chances in individual plays. Aos 26 minutes, Matheus Martins received a free kick in the area and shot well, but Cambeses saved it.

Black and white turn

The turning point came in the 40th minute. Barboza threw a long ball to Júnior Santos, who advanced behind the marker and finished past the goalkeeper. Botafogo turned the score around and started to control the pace of the match more.

Racing continued to press in stoppage time. Aos 43 minutes, Conechny threw it to Martínez, who swept the ball and almost equalized. Aos 45 minutes, another header from Martínez was saved by Neto from close range.

Highlights performance

Arthur Cabral and Júnior Santos were the main names of Botafogo so far. The two attackers scored the winning goals and created problems for the Argentine defense. No Racing, Martínez and Conechny maintained offensive pressure even after taking the turn.

Neto, who returned after two months, had a flawed performance at the beginning but made important saves later. Alex Telles He felt pain in his lower back but continued on the field. Allan received a yellow card for a foul in Martirena.

Competition context

Racing leads Grupo E with three points after their debut victory. Botafogo drew in the first round at home and are looking for their first victory in the competition under the command of Franclim Carvalho. The game takes place behind closed doors for the home team due to punishment from Conmebol.

The first half ends with Botafogo ahead, but Racing shows strength at home and can react in the final stage. The match remains open.

Match timeline

  • 03′ — Gol from Racing: Santiago Sosa opens the scoring with a header after a free kick taken by Rodríguez
  • 22′ — Gol from Botafogo: Arthur Cabral draws after a failed ball from Racing
  • 37′ — Cartão yellow for Allan by cart at Martirena
  • 40′ — Gol from Botafogo: Júnior Santos turns the game around when Cambeses leaves
  • 45′ — Neto defends Martínez’s header from close range

The game is still underway at El Cilindro. Botafogo tries to hold on to the advantage while Racing looks for a draw before the break.

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