Botafogo (Brazil) – Racing (Argentina)
Botafogo FR delivered an excellent performance last week, comfortably defeating Independiente Petrolero 3–0 at home. As a result, O Fogão moved to the top of Group E in the Copa Sudamericana with seven points, two ahead of Caracas FC. On Saturday, however, they suffered a surprising 2–1 home defeat to Remo, which saw them drop to 10th place in the Brasileirao standings with 17 points from 13 matches. That result ended a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions (six wins and three draws), as well as a six-match unbeaten streak at home (three wins and three draws).
Racing Club once again showed their inconsistency last Wednesday, drawing 1–1 away to Caracas FC after taking the lead and leaving a very worrying impression. As a result, La Academia remain third in their Copa Sudamericana group with four points, one behind their last opponent, who sit second. On Sunday, Gustavo Costas’ side drew 0–0 at home against Huracán and had to rely on goal difference to hold onto eighth place in Group B of the Argentine Torneo Apertura with 21 points, securing a playoff spot. Racing are now on a six-match winless run across all competitions (four draws and two defeats).
Racing are unrecognizable at the moment, playing terrible defense and failing to win games they used to win easily in the past. Botafogo should take advantage of them and their desperation to take a win, so I like the odds on the hosts to take the 3 points.