(foto: Screenshot)
Arturo Vidal received a red card for taunting Racing fans during a heavy 4-0 defeat, costing Colo Colo their last hope in the Copa Libertadores.
Arturo Vidal once again let his temper get the better of him, receiving a red card in dramatic fashion during Colo Colo’s 4-0 loss to Racing in the fifth round of the Copa Libertadores group stage.
Argentine side Racing Club dominated the clash in Buenos Aires, securing a convincing win to book their place in the tournament’s next round. Goals from Adrián Martínez (36’, 45’), Solari (46’), and Balboa (late) sealed the rout against a Colo Colo side that crumbled both on and off the pitch.
The turning point came in the 63rd minute when Vidal was sent off. Already on a yellow for a foul in the 54th minute, the veteran midfielder lost his cool after being provoked by Racing supporters. While the referee let his initial gesture slide—silencing the home crowd—Vidal then raised two fingers, mocking Argentina by referencing Chile’s two Copa America titles won over them in the finals.
The referee interpreted the gesture as deliberate provocation and issued a second yellow, resulting in Vidal’s dismissal. Despite his protests, the decision stood. Colo Colo, down to ten men, offered little resistance from then on.
With this defeat, Colo Colo are officially out of the Copa Libertadores, finishing last in Group E. Racing move on, while Fortaleza and Bucaramanga continue to battle for the second automatic qualification spot. Fortaleza currently hold a two-point advantage in the race for the round of 16, while third place leads to a play-off.