RIO DE JANEIRO (DOJO / Yahoo Sports / Google News) — Flamengo took a crucial step toward another Copa Libertadores final with a 1-0 win over Racing Club on Wednesday night at the Maracanã. Midfielder Jorge Carrascal scored the decisive goal late in the match to give the Brazilian giants the advantage heading into the second leg.
How the Match Played Out
As expected, Flamengo dominated possession and created the most danger in attack, with Carrascal and Giorgian De Arrascaeta leading the creative charge.
Forward Pedro nearly opened the scoring in the first half with a spectacular acrobatic effort after a loose ball in the box, forcing a brilliant save from Racing goalkeeper Cambeses.
On the other end, Rossi made the first major save of the game for Flamengo, reacting quickly to a deflected corner. Racing, despite facing heavy pressure, managed to slow the tempo at key moments and relied on Cambeses’ strong performance to stay in contention.
Substitute Samuel Lino found the back of the net late in the second half, but the goal was ruled offside after a VAR review.
Carrascal’s Decisive Moment
The breakthrough finally came in the final stretch, when Carrascal capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home the winner, sending the Maracanã crowd into celebration.
Flamengo will take a 1-0 aggregate lead into the second leg in Argentina next week as they aim to reach another Copa Libertadores final.
What’s Next
Racing Club, playing in its first semifinal since 1997, will need to overturn the deficit at home to keep their hopes alive of winning their first Libertadores title since 1967.
The Copa Libertadores final is set for November 29 at Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru.
In the other semifinal, Ecuador’s LDU faces Palmeiras on Thursday, aiming to eliminate a Brazilian club for the third time this knockout stage. LDU previously beat São Paulo in the quarterfinals and defending champions Botafogo in the round of 16.
