Racing Opens Clausura Amid Salas Fallout as Vergara Makes His Debut

Racing Club will kick off their Clausura 2025 campaign this Saturday against Barracas Central, but the buildup has been overshadowed by controversy. As reported by Olé, former forward Maximiliano Salas issued a scathing letter accusing the club’s leadership of mishandling his departure to River Plate—a claim Racing officials vehemently deny. Head coach Gustavo Costas has since urged his players to focus and stay united ahead of the season opener.

Colombian winger Duván Vergara will make his official debut, donning the No. 7 shirt vacated by Salas. Set to start on the left side of the attack, Vergara will join Santiago Solari and top scorer Maravilla Martínez in a revamped front line. Known for his technique and dribbling, Vergara brings a different skill set to the role, though less intensity than his predecessor.

In midfield, Bruno Zuculini returns to the starting eleven after recovering from a soleus injury. He replaces Agustín Almendra and is expected to bring leadership and grit to the center of the pitch. Other new signings, including Tomás Conechny, Alan Forneris, and Elías Torres, are not yet ready for action.

With a renewed sense of purpose and internal solidarity, Racing aim to improve on their previous campaign, which ended in the round of 16 against eventual champions Platense.