Racing – Aldosivi
Despite the constant squad rotation under head coach Gustavo Costas, Racing Club are showing signs of improvement in the league. Last Saturday, the team delivered a strong performance to defeat Banfield 3-1 away from home. With that result, La Academia extended their unbeaten run in the competition to five matches (three wins and two draws) and reached 15 points in the Torneo Clausura. While that’s still not enough to move into the playoff zone in Group A, it does place them in one of the Copa Sudamericana spots in the aggregate table. On the downside, Racing have collected only five of a possible 21 points at home in this tournament. Gabriel Rojas will miss Friday’s match due to a muscle injury. Coach Gustavo Costas will field a completely alternative XI. Goalkeeper Francisco Gomez would make his debut. Aldosivi refuse to give up in their battle to stay in the top flight. Last Sunday, the team defeated Huracán 2-0 at home with goals from Natanael Guzmán and Giuliano Cerato. After recording their second straight league win, El Tiburón have reached nine points in the Torneo Clausura and are now just three points away from escaping the relegation zone in the overall table. Aldosivi also beat Unión Santa Fe 2-0 in their most recent away match, snapping a run of five consecutive defeats on the road. Federico Gino has served his suspension and is available for Friday’s match. Racing will use a lineup full of reserves including the debut of their 3rd goalkeeper because next Wednesday they play Copa Libertadores semifinals at Brazil for the first time in almost 30 years, and I’m going to trust Aldosivi to get something from this game after consecutive wins because they need points to avoid relegation.