Racing’s top scorer had a poor spell at Coritiba

Rival do Athletico in the quarterfinals of the South American, the Racing has the competition’s top scorer as the main highlight of the season. Argentine Adrián Martínez, 32, scored eight goals in the international competition.

In total, in 2024, the foreigner played in 34 games and scored 23 goals, being the team’s top scorer. This is the second consecutive season in which the center forward has managed to achieve good numbers. Last year, for Instituto, also from Argentina, he scored 18 goals in 41 games played.

In 2022, Adrián Martínez wore the jersey of Coritiba on loan from Libertad, Paraguay. At the time, the striker was recommended by coach Gustavo Morínigo. However, wearing the Coxa jersey, the Argentine failed to shine. He played 24 games and scored only four goals, failing to prevent the club from being relegated to Série B.

Racing’s top scorer had a difficult childhood and a dramatic life story

The 2024 season has been one of the most brilliant for Adrián Martínez in his career. However, the Argentinean went through great difficulties until he arrived at Racing. In his childhood, the foreigner worked as a garbage collector to help his family.

At the age of 17, Martínez almost lost his hand in a car accident. As a result, the Argentinean lost his job. In 2014, the situation got even worse. His brother was shot and, in revenge, a group set fire to the shooter’s house. Martínez, who was not involved in the crime, ended up being charged and spent six months in prison.

He only started playing football in 2015, when the center forward started playing in the Argentine fourth division for Defensores Unidos. Three years later, the player signed with Sol de América, had a great season with the Paraguayan club and signed with Libertad, one of the main teams in Paraguay. He then played for Cerro Porteño, Coritiba and Instituto before arriving at Racing.

Athletico has the biggest challenge in the South American

In theory, Athletico had a calm group at the beginning of the South American. However, Furacão had difficulties and ended up qualifying for the second phase as runner-up, in a group with Sportivo Ameliano, Danubio and Rayo Zuliano.

In the playoffs, Rubro-Negro faced Cerro Porteño and progressed with a draw in Paraguay (1-1) and a victory at Ligga Arena (2-1). In the round of 16, Athletico had no difficulty beating Belgrano 2-1 at Arena and 2-0 in Argentina.

In the quarterfinals, Furacão will face Racing, third place in the Argentine Championship. The first game will take place this Thursday (19), at 9:30 pm, at Ligga Arena.