Flamengo (Brazil) vs Racing (Argentina)
Defending champions CR Flamengo are producing an irregular campaign in the Copa Libertadores this term. Last time out, they had to settle for a 1-1 away draw at CD Nublense to make it five points in four matches. However, they remain second-placed in group A on five points, level with the Chilean side who already played their fifth game, so O Rubro Negro need to win here. On Monday, Jorge Sampaoli’s men won 4-1 away at Vasco da Gama to climb into fifth spot of the Brazilian league table on 19 points after nine rounds. Flamengo are on eight matches unbeaten in all competitions, winning five and drawing three. At home, they registered three wins and one draw across the last four.
Meanwhile, Racing Club claimed a massive 2-1 away success at SD Aucas and clinched their ticket to the round-of-16 last Wednesday following the Ecuadorian side’s scoreless home draw against CD Nublense. Accumulating ten points so far, La Academia need to avoid the defeat in Brazil in order to win group A with one round to go. Last Saturday, Fernando Gago’s men beat Banfield 2-0 at home to make it three matches unbeaten in all competitions (two victories and one draw). Racing also took a breather in the league, making it 22 points in 18 games. On away turf, they won only one of the last six, with two draws and three losses.
Almost a must win game for Flamengo and one that Racing can afford to lose because they will very likely win this group anyway so even if the hosts won’t have striker Gabrial Barbosa, I expect them to get the win they need against this poor Racing.