Panaro, Torres send Gimnasia into semifinals

Manuel Panaro and Franco Torres scored in each half as Gimnasia progressed to the semifinals of Argentina's Primera Division Clausura tournament on Monday with a 2-0 win over Barracas Central.

Panaro put the visitors ahead in the 22nd minute of the quarterfinal clash when he tapped home from close range after Jeremias Merlo's cross from the right flank.

Torres, a second-half substitute for Merlo, doubled the lead in the 93rd minute by capitalizing on a quick turnover to round goalkeeper Marcelo Mino and roll the ball into an empty net.

The result means Gimnasia will meet La Plata rivals Estudiantes in the next round, with a place in the final at stake.

"We pulled through what was a tough test," Gimnasia manager Fernando Zaniratto told a post-match news conference. "We have an even bigger match coming up, and we'll be giving all we've got."

In Monday's other quarterfinal, Racing beat Tigre 4-2 on penalties to set up a semifinal clash against Boca Juniors.