Sportivo Luqueño (Paraguay) vs Racing (Argentina)
Eighth-placed in the Paraguayan league in 2023, Sportivo Luqueno reached the Copa Sudamericana group stage by beating Guarani 1-0 as the visiting side on March 6. Last Wednesday, El Auriazul also won 1-0 away at Sportivo Trinidense to occupy second spot of the Torneo Apertura rankings, accumulating 18 points and trailing leaders Libertad by four so far. Julio Cesar Caceres’ men won three of their last four in all competitions, along with a single defeat. As hosts, they lost the last one (1-0 to Cerro Porteno) after six matches unbeaten (three wins and three draws).
Racing Club finished in eighth spot of the Argentine aggregate table in 2023 and had to settle for a Copa Sudamericana ticket. Last Saturday, La Academia managed an important 3-1 away success at CA Central Cordoba to keep their hope alive in the Copa Liga Profesional: they made it 18 points and are trailing the last playoff berth by two in group B. Overall, Gustavo Costas’ men have been unbeaten in their last three competitive matches, winning two and drawing one. Racing lost only one of their last 14 away encounters, with five victories and eight stalemates in that spell.
Racing should balance their effort here because 72 hours later they will play a massive game at Lanus that could decide their chances of going to the playoffs in the argentinean league. That’s why they will rest a few starters, the most important one is playmaker Juanfer Quintero who will be on the bench. The hosts will also miss an important striker, Jorge Benitez, so I’ll go for the UNDER here because I expect Racing to be happy with a draw.