Racing and Boca Juniors Draw 1-1 in Intense Clausura Clash in Avellaneda

Racing Club and Boca Juniors drew 1-1 in a heated Torneo Clausura 2026 match at the Estadio Presidente Perón in Avellaneda. Marcos Rojo scored early from a penalty for Racing, while Miguel Merentiel equalized for Boca before halftime.

The penalty awarded to Racing came after a VAR review identified a foul by Boca's Ayrton Costa on Racing's Ezequiel Cannavo. Rojo converted calmly with a soft left-footed shot, celebrating the goal despite his Boca past, as reported by tycsports.com and clarin.com.

Boca responded with an intense offensive effort, culminating in Merentiel's skillful goal. He received a through ball from Leonel Flores, bypassed two defenders with a clever flick, and finished past Racing goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses. Despite protests from Racing about a possible foul earlier in the play, the goal stood, according to infobae.com.

The match featured chances for both sides but lacked a winner. Boca had notable opportunities including a near goal by Santiago Ascacibar, saved from the line by Racing's Ignacio Rodríguez, and late in the game, Enner Valencia missed a clear chance to secure victory after coming on as a substitute, according to onefootball.com.

Racing showed more intensity in the first half, controlling possession and limiting Boca's key playmakers like Aranda and Delgado. Juan Pablo Vojvoda's team exploited wing play, especially through Cannavo, while Boca’s attempts were marked by some imprecision due to Racing’s pressure, clarin.com detailed.

Racing's coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda and Boca's Rodolfo Arruabarrena both made several substitutions mainly due to injuries and tactical adjustments. Boca’s Milton Delgado left with a thigh injury, replaced by Tomás Belmonte. Facundo Herrera entered for the injured Ayrton Costa early in the second half. Racing also rotated players including the introduction of Duván Vergara and Alberto Campo, infobae.com stated.

With this result, Boca sits tenth in Zone A with 7 points, and Racing stands twelfth in Zone B with 5 points. Both remain outside the playoff qualification spots midway through the tournament, as outlined by tycsports.com.

Marcos Rojo, 36, who previously played 118 games for Boca scoring nine goals and winning three titles, remains undefeated against Boca since joining Racing, according to tycsports.com. His penalty goal extended his scoring streak with Racing to two goals, both from penalties under coach Vojvoda.