Buenos Aires, Dec 7 (NA) – Following Racing Club's 1-0 victory over Boca Juniors at La Bombonera, head coach Gustavo Costas analyzed the 'Academy's' qualification for the Playoffs final and praised his players' commitment, while acknowledging the difficulties presented by the match, especially in the first half.
At the press conference, attended by News Agency, the coach was self-critical about the initial development of the game and did not shy away from the reality of the proceedings: "The game was terrible for both teams, I think the weight was too much." Despite this analysis, Costas highlighted his team's reaction after the break and confessed that halftime was key: "I tore into them at halftime and they responded in the second half."
The manager valued the team's growth in the second half and the commitment shown in a demanding environment. "After the second half, we played a great game. I am very happy, this team throws itself in headfirst and deserves all of this," he stated.
Regarding the forward, he added: "Everyone probably thought about how we put 'Maravilla' in first, but you don't have to tell him anything, he will always go for it." He also recalled the blow of the previous Libertadores elimination and how it marked the squad: "When we were eliminated it was a very hard blow, we still have that scar."
Finally, Costas emphasized the competitive mentality of the group and the performance of those who came off the bench: "Any player who comes in plays ten points better. We would cross a ball and 'Maravilla' would be there alone," he explained.
"I want Racing to win, that's what we have in our minds," the coach concluded.
