Racing (Argentina) vs Ñublense (Chile)
Racing Club succumbed to their first defeat in the Copa Libertadores last time out, when losing to Flamengo 2-1 away. That result prevented them from securing the first place in group A. However, they are already into the top 16 and will stay as leaders in case of winning this game (La Academia are now on ten points, two above their last opponents in second). Fernado Gago’s men drew 1-1 against Barracas Central at home last Thursday, which places them in 15th spot of the Argentine league table on 27 points. The side succumbed to a single defeat in their last seven competitive matches, winning three and drawing three. At home, they are on three games unbeaten, with two wins and one draw in that spell.
CD Nublense picked up a valuable point on their visit to SD Aucas in week five, when it all ended in a scoreless draw. Following that result, the Chilean side hold onto the third spot of the group A table on five points, one above their last rivals, to keep dreaming of being transferred to the Copa Sudamericana. In fact, they also hold a tiny chance of advancing to the Copa Libertadores’ round-of-16 as El Rojo are on five points, leading fourth-placed Aucas by one and trailing second-placed Flamengo by three. Nublense haven’t seen league action since May 20th, when drawing 1-1 against Universidad Chile as hosts to remain in 12th spot on 18 points in 15 rounds, five above the relegation zone. Overall, the team are on four winless games, drawing three and losing one, and they won a single match of their last nine on away turf, along with three stalemates and five losses.
Even if Racing has been too irregular so far this season, they’ve been solid in Libertadores. They need a win to secure the 1st place of the group and they should take it without any problems against this chilean side that they already beat 2-0 away in the 1st game of the tournament.