security Facundo Cambeses raises the level of racing. The 28-year-old goalkeeper, a kind of successor to Chilean Gabriel Arias in the academy, supports the Albiceleste team’s dream of the final tournament. Avellaneda Club achieved a dramatic qualification to the semi-finals, through suffering and self-love. After the score was 0-0 in 120 minutes (90 in regular time and 30 in extra time), Campesis saved two penalty kicks (by Tomas Cardona and Joaquín Laso) as the team led by Gustavo Costas beat Tigre 4-2. In this way, next weekend they will face Boca, in the Bombonera, in search of a place in the final.
Campesis, who has featured in the lower divisions of Banfield and for Racing since January last year, was the hero of the exciting night in Cilindro. After the goalless draw and during the series of penalty kicks, the cameras captured a picture of the goalkeeper in an act that shows the extent of the conviction he carries. He went to the side of the goal to drink water from a small bottle that was there (which did not belong to him) and asked the ball catcher to give him “holy water.” You can see him take a sip of the liquid and return to goal to stop Laso’s execution, throwing himself to his left, facing a medium-height shot.
“There was water there. But before the first penalty I went and had a drink, when that water wasn’t mine and I took a shortcut. Then I said: “There, it’s holy water.”. When I got back, I took a shortcut. Then, on the final penalty kick, I went to take it and there was no more. I wanted to die. “I hope someone puts more into it,” I say. But thank God I was able to save the ball, so I am very happy,” Campesis smiled after the match, and left the locker room, enjoying a magical night in Avellaneda, but he began to imagine The confrontation against Bocaas a visitor (in the other semi-final match, the La Plata classic will be played, between Gimnasia and Estudiantes).
Campesis arrived at the academy in the summer of 2024, when Racing made several additions to try to face the final year of President Victor Blanco’s administration with strength. The Longchamp-born goalkeeper (part of Almirante Brown) had a tempting offer to go and make a save – as a starter – against Velez Sarsfield. But, in the middle, he spoke with Kostas, who pushed him to change his mind and join the blue and white club, even though he was initially a substitute for Arias. Over time and with the support of Kostas, Cambiz ended up taking over in goal for Racing, replacing Arias, who last night went out to Cilindro for the last time (he will not renew his contract) and was feted by the fans and his teammates.
There is an anecdote told by Costas himself, which illustrates the responsibility, commitment and character of Campesis. The story is known in October, before the revenge between Racing and Flamengo, in the semi-final of the Copa Libertadores (they drew 0-0 in Avellaneda and the Rio team qualified for the final thanks to a 1-0 win in the first leg at the Maracanã). “One day everything was flooded, he lost his truck and came running to training. Moreover, he apologized for arriving late after walking five or six kilometers in the rain. They are one of those kids who deserve everything. He is an example for the kids because he always prepared himself,” the coach said. beIN Sports.
At that same moment, Costa spoke about the goalkeeper: “Cambises deserves everything because he waited. When I went to look for him I told him he would be a substitute. My team captain was Arias. At Velez they paid him more. I called him and he told me to be calm because he was coming to Racing.” Today he is one of the great figures in the team, has earned a place in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the Argentine national team, and will undoubtedly receive offers from abroad.
Today, Campesis is Racing’s great reference in goal, but the goalkeeper does not forget the value of Arias, his colleague, who has been a starter for a long time. What’s more: last night he made an affectionate gesture with the Chilean when he was honored before the match. Realizing his weight today, Cambyses said: “I will be grateful to Gabi for the rest of my life. When I arrived at the club, he helped me a lot, made me mature. He gave a lot to the club. I also love him as a person. I consider him a friend. I am happy that people were able to devote their affection to him because he deserves it.” A value earned with work, patience and commitment to a group with great aspirations.