Flamengo edges Racing in Libertadores semifinal first leg

Colombia international midfielder Jorge Carrascal struck late as Brazil's Flamengo secured a 1-0 home win over Argentine side Racing in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semifinal on Wednesday.

Carrascal broke the deadlock in the 88th minute when his long-range effort took a deflection before flying into the bottom-left corner, leaving goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses stranded.

Racing had less than a third of the total possession and managed just one shot on target for the night.

The result means Flamengo needs only a draw in next Wednesday's return leg in Buenos Aires to reach the final.

Racing is seeking its second Copa Libertadores title and first since 1967. Flamengo is vying to win South America's premier club competition for a fourth time, having previously triumphed in 1981, 2019 and 2022.