Racing (Argentina) vs Coquimbo Unido (Chile)
Racing Club’s perfect streak in the Copa Sudamericana was stopped last week, when the team succumbed to a deserved 2-1 away defeat to Brazil’s Red Bull Bragantino. As a result, La Academia remain at the top of the group H table on nine points, but now leading their last rivals just by goal difference. On Sunday, a mostly alternative XI ended up drawing 4-4 away at Belgrano in the Liga Profesional opening round. Gustavo Costas’ men are winless in their last three in all competitions (one draw and two defeats), but they remain unbeaten in the last three at home, winning two and drawing one.
CD Coquimbo Unido wasted a big chance in their last Copa Sudamericana commitment, drawing 0-0 away at Paraguayan side Sportivo Luqueno. Following that result, El Pirata remain third-placed in group H on four points, trailing Racing Club and Red Bull Bragantino by five, which means they need to win both remaining games to keep their hope alive. Last weekend, they saw a home match against Palestino postponed, which dropped them down to fourth spot in the Chilean league table on 21 points, seven behind leaders Universidad Chile. Coquimbo are unbeaten in the last three in all competitions, winning two and drawing one, while they lost only one of the last five on away turf (two victories and two stalemates).
Racing is in a must win situation. After a few bad results their fans are losing their patience, and a game at home against a weak rival that is almost eliminated from this competition leaves them with no choice but to take the 3 points. Their last two games are at home so they need the 6 points to secure the 1st place and avoid the playoffs in the next round, so I expect them to get an easy win here.