Racing Club defeated Tigre on penalties after a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes during the 2025 Torneo Clausura quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses was pivotal, saving two penalties to secure a 4-2 shootout win. The team will face Boca Juniors in the semifinals.
The match took place on December 1, 2025, at Estadio Presidente Perón in Avellaneda, known as the Cilindro. Racing, coached by Gustavo Costas, dominated the first half with 66% possession and six shots on goal, featuring chances from Adrián 'Maravilla' Martínez and Gabriel Rojas, denied by Tigre's goalkeeper Felipe Zenobio. Tigre, led by Diego Dabove, relied on counterattacks and long balls, particularly after Federico Álvarez's injury, replaced by Diego Sosa.
In the second half, opportunities grew: Martínez had two clear saves by Zenobio, while Julián López received a yellow and Nacho Russo missed a shot. At the end of regular time, Tigre's Ramón Arias was sent off for a rough foul on Martínez, sparking tension between benches.
The first extra time was intense: Duván Vergara's goal for Racing was disallowed for prior offside by Martínez, and Gastón Martirena was expelled for a double yellow after an ironic gesture toward referee Andrés Merlos. In the second extra period, Racing's Santiago Sosa got a red for a double yellow on a foul against Alfio Oviedo, and Martínez missed the clearest chance by shooting high.
In the penalty shootout, Racing scored with Adrián Martínez, Adrián Fernández, Gabriel Rojas, and Agustín García Basso. Tigre converted with Diego Sosa and Julián López, but Tomás Cardona and Joaquín Laso were saved by Cambeses. Final stats: 68%-32% possession, 25-14 shots favoring Racing.
With this win, Racing joins the Torneo Clausura semifinalists, set to play away against Boca, who beat Argentinos Juniors. The match sparked passionate online reactions, with memes about the drama and Martínez's performance.
