Atlético Bucaramanga secured a historic Copa Libertadores victory by defeating Racing Club 2-1 at the Presidente Perón Stadium, leaving the home team struggling to respond to the Colombian side’s efficient and clinical performance. Goals from Luciano Daniel Pons and Fabián Sambueza sealed the win, temporarily placing Bucaramanga at the top of Group E.

The match began with Racing attempting to impose their style at home, but their attacking efforts lacked depth. Despite their attempts to create danger, Gustavo Costas’ team struggled to break down the solid defensive structure of the Colombian side in the first half.

After the break, Leonel Álvarez’s squad came out with a more aggressive approach, capitalizing on their speed in counterattacks. In the 54th minute, Luciano Daniel Pons opened the scoring with a well-placed header following a precise cross. Just ten minutes later, Fabián Sambueza doubled the lead with a brilliant solo run, leaving the Argentine defense helpless and silencing the stadium.

Racing, out of sync and unable to respond

Conceding two goals in just ten minutes, Racing pushed forward in an attempt to turn the game around, but this only left more space for Bucaramanga, who managed the match intelligently. The Colombian side’s experience was crucial in cutting off Racing’s passing lanes, preventing them from creating real scoring opportunities.

The home team managed to pull one back in the 92nd minute with a well-placed shot from Martín Barrios, but it was too little, too late. Thus, Racing, the reigning 2024 Copa Sudamericana champions, suffered a painful home defeat and missed the chance to take control of the group.

For Atlético Bucaramanga, this victory is not only a redemption after letting a win slip away in their 3-3 draw against Colo Colo, but also a major step towards their dream of advancing to the Round of 16 in only their second-ever Libertadores appearance, their first since 1998.

With this win, the Colombian team reached 4 points, while Racing remains at 3, awaiting the outcome of the match between Colo Colo and Fortaleza. The next round of Group E matches will take place on April 22 and 23, with Bucaramanga visiting Fortaleza and Racing traveling to Chile to face Colo Colo.