The Academy, already into the round of 16 and vying for top spot, faced a rough journey en route to the Maracana but did not let injuries damp the mood.
Two teams in the same competition can feel worlds apart this season. Last weekend, they snapped a seven-match winless run in the domestic league, a rough stretch that included six losses, yet they secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 from Group A. The draw between Aucas and Ñublense opened the door for celebration as the squad traveled toward Rio de Janeiro.
When the Maracana showdown against Flamengo loomed, the team presented itself as the main challenger with a realistic shot at first place. A draw would deliver five points to the leaders with six available in the final matchday, and if they fail to win, qualification would hinge on a one-on-one decider with Aucas.
ACCESS ROAD TO THE MARACANA
On the way from the hotel to the stadium, the Racing delegation was involved in a chain collision caused by a motorcycle crossing the highway. Miraculously, there were no injuries and the travel plan remained intact.
The club’s president, speaking on ESPN, explained that the stretch was tense but avoided tragedy. He noted a pile-up involving motorcycles that forced the other two buses to pause, after which the team regrouped on a third bus and continued toward the stadium. This event offered a moment of relief for everyone involved and a chance to focus on the match ahead.
IT’S CALLED RACING
After weeks marked by injuries and several matches requiring emergency squads, coach Fernando Gago could celebrate the near-complete return of his squad. Nicolas Reniero rejoined after a bone edema, strengthening the forward line. Among the unavailable players, Maxi Romero remained sidelined due to a grade 2 tear in his right quadriceps, a setback suffered during the recent game against Flamengo at the Cilindro. Other absentees endured more severe injuries, though recovery progressed for Emiliano Vecchio, Leonel Miranda, and to a lesser extent Carlos Carbonero.
THE RACING TRAINING
Even with the standings decided by midweek, Gago prepared his best available lineup for the Maracana, the same group that defeated Banfield 2-0 last weekend. Matias Rojas will look to rebound after a night that did not go well due to a missed penalty and questions about his future as contract talks continued. The single uncertain position pertained to the attack, weighing the continuity of Guerrero against the potential return of Reniero, with the latter option favored.
The starting XI included Gabriel Arias; Facundo Mura, Leonardo Sigali, Gonzalo Piovi, Gabriel Rojas; Jonatan Gomez, Anibal Moreno, Nicolas Oroz; Gabriel Hauche, Nicolas Reniero, Matias Rojas.
ALTERNATIVE
The listed alternatives comprised Tagliamonte, Insúa, Galván, Pillud, Quirós, Avilés, Moralez, Rodríguez, Cabellos, Vera, Fertoli and Guerrero.
Note: The information reflects match preparations and player status as reported by Goal.