Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the clashes of Matchday 6 in the Copa Libertadores group stage will take place on Friday at the Juan Domingo Perón Stadium, where local side Racing will host Brazil’s Fortaleza. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this match with strong chances of success.
Match preview
Racing approach the final round at the top of the group and with a clear task: a draw secures first place and a ticket to the round of 16. After a painful elimination from the domestic league, the Argentines bounced back in style with a resounding 4-0 victory over Colo-Colo, signaling their readiness to focus on the international stage.
Gustavo Costas’ side haven’t played in two weeks, which could be both a blessing (rest) and a curse (loss of match rhythm). However, the form of key players — such as Adrián Martínez and the reliability of Gabriel Arias between the sticks — gives fans optimism ahead of this decisive clash.
The Brazilians arrive in Argentina with a sense of anxiety: a win puts them atop the group, a draw secures second, but a defeat could see them drop into the Sudamericana. Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s men have failed to win in four straight matches, managing just one goal in that stretch — a worrying sign before such an important game.
Dyego’s form is far from ideal, while players like Marinho and Breno Lopes have yet to meet expectations. Up against the Academy’s solid backline, the Brazilians will need to be clinical if they hope to avoid elimination from South America’s premier club competition.
Probable lineups
- Racing Club: Arias, Colombo, Sosa, Di Cesare, Martirena, Nardoni, Sanchez, Rojas, Solari, Degregorio, Martínez
- Fortaleza: Ricardo, Tinga, Kuscevic, Teixeira Lopes da Conceição, Barbosa, Fernandez, Welison, Martinez, Pikachu, Lucero, Breno
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the first group game, Racing convincingly beat Fortaleza 3-0.
- The Brazilians have scored just one goal in their last four matches across all competitions.
- In Racing’s last four games, the ‘both teams to score: no’ bet has come through every time.
Prediction
The Argentines are in firm control of the group and will play for the result without taking unnecessary risks. Fortaleza, given their poor form and struggling attack, are unlikely to go all out. Add in the hosts’ strong defense and the visitors’ low scoring record, and we’re looking at a match with few goals. Our pick: ‘Under 2.5 goals’ at odds of 1.78.
