Corinthians (Brazil) vs Racing (Argentina)
Corinthians will start their sixth campaign in the Copa Sudamericana after finishing in 13th spot of the Brazilian league table last year. The club only reached the quarter-finals in 2005. Heading back to the present, O Timao are experiencing some trouble. They collected just seven points in six rounds in the Sao Paulo State Championship, occupying the third place in Group C following a 1-0 away defeat at Novorizontino last Sunday (when coach Fabio Carille rotated his players). Corinthians also lost their last home game to Red Bull Brasil 2-0 in late January, which stopped their seven-game unbeaten run at Arena Corinthians (three wins, four draws).
Meanwhile, Racing Club will face their fifth involvement in this competition (having reached the quarter-finals twice) thanks to their seventh spot in the 2018/19 league season. At this moment, La Academia are topping the league table on 42 points, level with Defensa y Justicia, but they lost 2-0 to River Plate last Sunday, which stopped an eight-game unbeaten streak of seven victories and one draw. Prior to that loss, Racing had won three consecutive matches away from home.
Racing seems the better side in general terms, but they might experience a shock after that devastating loss at River Plate. In addition, the coach will rotate the XI because the league is their main priority and Corinthians are tough to beat at home.