Racing Club secured a place in the Copa Libertadores semifinals with a 1-0 win over Vélez Sarsfield at the Cilindro de Avellaneda. Santiago Solari scored the decisive goal that sealed the series with a 2-0 aggregate score.
The match included a key moment when VAR correctly disallowed a goal from Vélez, keeping the score level before Solari broke the deadlock. In the second half, Vélez nearly equalized through a Javier Sosa header that struck the post, but Racing’s defense and goalkeeper Gabriel Marchiori held firm to preserve the advantage.
With this victory, Gustavo Costas’ team extended their winning streak in the competition to three matches and became the first club to book a place in the semifinals — a stage Racing had not reached since 1997.
Their next opponent will be decided in La Plata, where Estudiantes will attempt to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Flamengo from the first leg in Brazil.
Federico Rudchenco, originally from Monte Grande in Buenos Aires province, has turned a simple idea into a fast-growing food venture in South Florida stadiums. His project, La Milanation, is dedicated to bringing Argentina’s classic milanesa sandwich to fans in the United States.
“I’m 40 years old, and I came back to the United States three years ago,” Rudchenco said. “I studied gastronomy and thought I’d try it here. At first my idea was to do a bit of everything with Argentine food. But then I realized no one here was focused on milanesa. I thought, maybe I’m crazy, but the name La Milanation was going to work.”
Photo courtesy of La Milanation.
First steps and arrival at Chase Stadium
Rudchenco began at Smorgasburg in Wynwood, a popular open-air food market. “I started there, and it was going pretty well. One day they asked me, ‘Do you want to go to Inter?’ And I said yes. That was literally a week before Messi arrived. I couldn’t believe it. It was destiny.”
Today, La Milanation operates inside Chase Stadium, home of Inter Miami. For Rudchenco, the experience goes beyond sales. “At Inter it’s super familiar. Everyone comes and says hello, talks with us while waiting in line. We created a family atmosphere. People are happy, and we’re very happy too.”
Photo courtesy of La Milanation.
Expansion to Hard Rock Stadium
The business has also expanded to the Hard Rock Stadium, where it serves fans of the Miami Dolphins and other large-scale events. Rudchenco admits he wasn’t sure how the American public would respond. “I thought it was impossible. I only wanted to be there for the Club World Cup because that’s my public. But they told me, no, stay here. And it worked out. When Americans try it, they say, ‘Wow, this is food.’ They’re used to hot dogs and chicken tenders from a box. What we do is handmade, and they notice it.”
Beyond the classic sandwich, the menu now includes empanadas and churros. “The traditional Argentine empanada is still the most popular,” he added.
Photo courtesy of La Milanation.
The Club World Cup
One of the biggest moments for La Milanation came at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year. “It was amazing. Boca Juniors against Benfica, then Bayern Munich, Real Madrid… for us in sales it was spectacular. Imagine, 70,000 people. I told my wife last year, don’t worry, I’ll be at the Club World Cup. I didn’t know how, but I knew it. And we made it.”
Photo courtesy of La Milanation.
Looking forward
Rudchenco plans to continue expanding. “My idea next year is to open a physical location after the World Cup. We’ll also look at other stadiums—baseball, maybe Formula 1, even tennis at the Miami Open. There’s a lot of projection, but I’m taking it step by step.”
As Argentina’s fan base grows in the United States, so does the presence of Argentine food. For Rudchenco, the goal is simple: to make La Milanation a reference point for anyone who wants to experience one of Argentina’s most traditional dishes, whether at a football match or beyond.
Franco Mastantuono scored for Real Madrid in their 4-1 win against Levante.
Mastantuono got his first goal for Real Madrid. The 18 year old started for Real Madrid and received the ball out wide, he dribbled into the penalty area and would score to give Real Madrid the 2-0 lead.
The Argentine has now started in four of Real Madrid’s matches since joining the club. Speaking to the media after the match, here is what he had to say:
“I dedicate my first goal to my family. They have been very supportive and have always been there for me. They are in Argentina and I’m sure they are very happy. This is for them and for all the people who are always by my side and whom I carry in my heart.”
Facundo Buonanotte scored for Chelsea in their 2-1 win against Lincoln City.
Buonanotte got his first goal for Chelsea, scoring in the Carabao Cup. With the socre at 1-1, Buonanotte dribbled into the penalty area and scored to give Chelsea the 2-1 lead.
Enzo Fernández and Alejandro Garnacho also started for Chelsea.
Baires Grill Fort Lauderdale closed its doors for a private evening with Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia — who was celebrating his birthday — and close friends. A table for twelve was prepared at the center of the restaurant, where the group arrived around 9:00 p.m., bringing Spanish wines to accompany the night.
The dinner began with a variety of appetizers: fried beef empanadas, provoleta, chorizos, mollejas, and an arugula salad with parmesan and cherry tomatoes. As usual, Messi opted for his classic fried corn empanada.
For the main course, parrilladas were served with vacío, entraña, ojo de bife, and bife de chorizo, all cooked medium well. Side dishes included French fries, mixed salad, and mashed potatoes.
Dessert was a custom-made chocolate cake from Miami’s Gogibakery, layered with dulce de leche and chocolate, finished with buttercream. The group toasted with the cake before continuing the evening, which lasted until about 12:30 a.m.
At one point, they requested Spanish playing cards to play truco, although none were available at that hour. Before leaving, Messi, De Paul, and Tapia took a group photo with the restaurant staff, signed jerseys, and posed individually with employees, showing kindness and approachability throughout the night.
Photo courtesy of Baires Grill
In June of this year, Baires Grill became the official restaurant of the Argentina National Team, strengthening its ties with the Albiceleste during their stays in South Florida.
The restaurant has also earned a reputation as one of Messi’s favorite dining spots since his arrival at Inter Miami, making it a recurring backdrop for his private gatherings in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
