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ESCopa Argentina: River wins in Rosario to reach the semifinals
Marcelo Gallardo’s team earned a deserved 1-0 victory over Racing, thanks to an early goal from Maximiliano Salas, and will now face Mendoza’s Independiente Rivadavia in search of a place in the final.
Before the five-minute mark, River broke quickly from the back. Facundo Colidio burst down the left after a long pass and set up Maximiliano Salas, who finished first-time to open the scoring. Later, after a defensive error by Franco Pardo, the same combination between No. 11 and No. 7 nearly doubled the lead, but goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses reacted just in time to deny the 2-0.
Racing responded with three straight chances. Santiago Solari’s header was saved by Franco Armani, who then blocked Adrián Martínez’s attempt at an equalizer. Shortly after, Lucas Martínez Quarta stopped Martínez just as he was about to shoot. Late in the first half, Colidio came close to striking two stunning goals with powerful right-footed efforts from distance.
The second half was less eventful, with few chances for either side. Gallardo’s team controlled the game without major scares and even created two good chances to extend the lead, through a Colidio run and a shot from Nacho Fernández that was saved by the rival goalkeeper. Racing’s only real danger came from a cross, but Lautaro Rivero was quick to cut out Martínez.
Having secured both victory and a place in the semifinals, River will face Mendoza’s Independiente Rivadavia, who knocked out Tigre. The other semifinal will see Córdoba’s Belgrano clash with Argentinos Juniors.
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