Racing Club (Argentina) vs Sporting Cristal (Peru)
Racing Club haven’t had a happy opener in the Copa Libertadores 2021, when they had to settle for a 1-1 away draw at Uruguayan side Rentistas, who are making their debut in this competition in history. On Sunday, La Academia beat group leaders Colon 2-1 at home with a rotated XI, which allowed them to keep it close in their fight to advance to the league playoffs: Racing are fifth-placed in their group on 18 points, trailing the last qualifying berth by goals scored. The victory also stopped a three-game winless streak in all competitions (two draws in regular time and one defeat). At home, the team lost only one of their last 11 matches, having won eight and drawn two.
Meanwhile, Sporting Cristal will have to improve if they want to fight for a ticket to the round of 16. Last week, they were dominated from beginning to end and succumbed to a 3-0 home defeat to Sao Paulo at Estadio Nacional. However, that was their only defeat across the last ten competitive matches (eight victories and one draw). Last Sunday, the team beat Universitario 1-0 away to remain perfect in the league, accumulating 15 points in five rounds at the top of group B table. They also hold an impressive 18-match unbeaten run of 13 victories and five draws as the visiting side since losing at Melgar 1-0 in February 2020.