Solari's late goal advances Racing Club to Copa Libertadores semifinals

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Santiago Solari of Argentina's Racing Club celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against Argentina's Velez Sarsfield during a Copa Libertadores quarterfinal second leg soccer match at Presidente Peron stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Players of Argentina's Racing Club celebrate at the end of a Copa Libertadores quarterfinal second leg soccer match against Argentina's Velez Sarsfield at Presidente Peron stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello) — Santiago Solari of Argentina's Racing Club celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against Argentina's Velez Sarsfield during a Copa Libertadores quarterfinal second leg soccer match at Presidente Peron stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

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5:54 PM on Tuesday, September 23

The Associated Press

AVELLANEDA, Argentina (AP) — Striker Santiago Solari scored a goal late in the second half on Tuesday and Racing Club defeated Velez Sarsfield 1-0 to advance to its first Copa Libertadores semifinal since 1997.

The 27-year-old Solari scored the game winner in the 82nd minute for la Academia.

The Argentines will play against the winner of the series between Brazil's Flamengo and Estudiantes La Plata from Argentina.

The Brazilians, a three-time Copa Libertadores champion has a 2-1 lead over Estudiantes and the second leg will be played next Thursday, when Ecuador’s LDU will try to hold its 2-0 lead over Brazil's Sao Paulo.

On Wednesday, Brazil's Palmeiras will host Argentina's River Plate after winning 2-1 away in the first leg of that series.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer