Buenos Aires, Feb 27 (NA) – Racing drew this Thursday with a man less against Independiente Rivadavia from Mendoza and extended its unbeaten streak to four matches, although the fan was left with a very bitter taste due to the injury of their star striker, Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez. “Maravilla” had to come off at the 41st minute of the first half after twisting his left ankle very badly, and although the severity of the injury has not been confirmed, he is practically ruled out for Racing's next match, which will be on Tuesday, March 3, against Atlético Tucumán. In his place, a striker did not come on, but Tomás Conechny, who on this occasion served as a patch because he scored the equalizing goal in the second half. However, the injury to “Maravilla” exposed the leadership headed by Diego Milito, as the only available striker Costas had to replace him was the youth Tomás Pérez, whom he did not want to “burn” in a situation like this. One of the major problems of Milito's management has been the lack of effectiveness in signing forwards. At the beginning of 2025, the Uruguayan Adrián “Rocky” Balboa arrived, although his level was disastrous and he left in the last transfer market. Just a few months later, Elías Torres arrived to form a duo with Martínez, with the objective of replacing Maximiliano Salas and even giving “Maravilla” a rest in some match, but he tore his cruciate ligaments and has a few more months of recovery left. The last forward to arrive at Racing was the Chilean Damián Pizarro, although he arrived in poor physical condition and also suffered an injury, so he has not even managed to get minutes on the pitch yet. This is why, with the injury to “Maravilla” Martínez, Racing is facing a problem that lays bare the disaster that was Milito's management in signing players. Racing went from having Luciano Vietto, “Maravilla” Martínez, Maximiliano Salas, and Colombian Roger Martínez as attacking options to having to improvise with Conechny. The options are several (giving Pérez an opportunity, trying Conechny as a patch, or hurrying Pizarro's return to form), but none of them leaves the Racing fanbase at ease.
