Estudiantes de Merida return to the Copa Libertadores after 21 years (their last campaign was also the best, reaching the quarter-finals in 1999) as they finished as runners-up in the Venezuelan league last season. Last Sunday, coach Martin Brignani picked a completely alternative XI and the team lost 2-1 at Yaracuyanos, which stopped their three-game unbeaten run of two wins and one draw. They collected seven points from 15 on offer in league action this term. Estudiantes are on nine home matches without defeat in all competitions, winning seven and drawing two.
Racing Club starts their tenth campaign in this competition (having lifted the title in 1967) as Argentine defending league champions. This season they are fighting for a Libertadores’ ticket in 2021, but the team currently sit in the sixth spot on 36 points after a 1-1 home draw with Newell’s Old Boys last Friday. The side is unbeaten since coach Sebastian Beccacece’s arrival, with two successes and four draws. On the road, they won one and drew two of their three games in 2020.
Two teams in good shape will clash here. Racing seems the better side, but Estudiantes are strong as hosts.