Ñublense (Chile) – Racing (Argentina)
CD Nublense produced their best campaign in history last season, finishing in second spot in the Chilean league, and will make their Copa Libertadores debut on Wednesday. On Friday, Jaime Garcia’s men managed to beat O’Higgins 2-1 at home, broke a six-match winless streak of two draws and four defeats and climbed into ninth spot of the league table on 11 points. Los Diablos Rojos registered two victories and two losses as the hosting side in 2023. On Wednesday, the team will host Racing Club at Universidad Concepcion due to Conmebol restrictions.
Meanwhile, Racing Club return to the Copa Libertadores after one year of absence and will fight for their second title (champions in 1967) after finishing at the top of the aggregate table in the 2022 Argentine league season. Last Saturday, La Academia beat Huracan 2-1 at home to accumulate 17 points in the Liga Profesional, trailing leaders River Plate by four after nine matches. It was their third consecutive victory since losing to Godoy Cruz a month ago. On away turf, Racing won two and lost two in 2023.
Racing are on a good run and I expect them to start their Libertadores campaign with a win here against this weak chilean side.