Peñarol (Uruguay) vs Racing (Argentina)
Peñarol had to settle for second place in Group G of the Copa Libertadores after their goalless draw against Vélez Sarsfield on Matchday 6: both teams finished with 11 points, but the Uruguayan side lost out on goal difference. Last Saturday, El Carbonero defeated archrivals Nacional 3-0 at home to remain one of the leaders of the Torneo Clausura with six points from two rounds. Diego Aguirre’s men are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions (four wins and one draw in regular time) and in their last 12 home games (11 wins and one draw).
With a mixed starting eleven, Racing Club defeated Fortaleza EC 1-0 at home on Matchday 6 of the Copa Libertadores group stage, securing first place in Group E with 13 points. Last Saturday, the team also drew 1-1 away to Boca Juniors, reaching four points from the same number of rounds in the Torneo Clausura, still unable to get closer to the qualification spots for the next edition of this international competition. Overall, Racing has lost only one of their last four matches across all competitions, winning two and drawing one, and they are unbeaten in their last seven away games, with five wins and two draws.
Two former champions meet here on what should be a very exciting Round of 16 series. Peñarol comes on a long undefeated run and from winning the big uruguayan derby against Nacional with a good performance and a solid 3-0, Racing played a decent game in the 1-1 at Boca. Both have good offensive power and some missings in defense: right back Pedro Milans for the hosts, Martirena and Zuculini on the visitors, so I think this leg has a high chance of having at least two goals with both teams scoring and I’ll take the OVER.