Racing (Argentina) – Athletico Paranaense (Brazil)

Racing Club fans will have felt frustrated after the team’s 1-0 away defeat to Athletico Paranaense last Thursday as they wasted several goalscoring chances. In fact, La Academia lost 2-0 away at Talleres last Sunday, making it two consecutive losses in all competitions. Gustavo Costas’ men remain on 24 points in the Liga Profesional, now trailing leaders Velez Sarsfield by nine. At home, Racing are unbeaten in the last three, with two victories and one draw.

Athletico Paranaense took the first step towards the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals last Thursday, when beating Racing Club 1-0 at home with Joao Cruz netting the winner in the first half. On Sunday, O Furacao drew 0-0 away at Criciuma EC, which resulted in coach Martin Varini’s departure. However, the team are unbeaten in the last four competitive matches in regular time, winning two and drawing two. On away turf, Paranaense are without a win in the last three, with one stalemate and two defeats in that time.

Racing was unlucky to lose in the 1st round where they had more than enough chances to get at least a draw, and they will now face Paranaense who will have a new inexperienced coach, argentinean Luis Gonzalez after the previous one was fired last weekend due to bad results. I expect Racing to win here and at least take the series to a penalties shootout.

BET: Racing -0.75 @ 1.91