Racing secured a crucial 2-0 home victory over Botafogo in the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana, giving Gustavo Costas’ side a comfortable lead heading into the return leg in Brazil next week.

The opener came from Luciano Vietto, who converted a penalty in the 31st minute, though the Argentine forward was forced off shortly after due to injury.

In the second half, Adrián Martínez doubled the lead for “La Academia” in the 63rd minute with a brilliant finish following a swift counterattack.

The decisive second leg will be played on Thursday, February 27, at the Estadio Nilton Santos.