The academy gear up for the opening leg of the quarterfinals as Fernando Gago faces multiple selection decisions and strategic dilemmas ahead of this high-stakes clash.
Racing Club has become a familiar name in South America’s top club competition over the last decade. Even with frequent appearances and a string of battles against strong continental rivals, the team has not reached an international semi-final in 26 years. In 2023, the objective is clear: push through to the Copa Libertadores’ semi-finals and write a new chapter in Avellaneda’s football history.
Following a determined performance in the round of 16 against Atlético Nacional, the squad from Avellaneda now confronts a stern test in the quarterfinals against Boca Juniors. The same opponent who eliminated them in the 2020 edition stands in the way as the path to the last four becomes narrower and more demanding.
The series kicks off next Wednesday, August 23, at 9:30 pm, with the action taking place at La Bombonera. The return leg is scheduled for the following Wednesday, August 30, at the same time, in the Cilindro.
RACING VS MOUTH: THE QUARTERFINAL CONTEXT
Gago will feel the weight of pivotal choices in the first leg. A key decision centers on whether to field a traditional backline or opt for a more defensive line of five, a setup that has yielded some of Racing’s strongest recent performances. The coach will keep his cards close to the vest until the moment the whistle blows, with the tactical plan likely to hinge on opponent dynamics and match tempo.
On the injury and availability front, Roger Martinez will miss the first leg at Alberto J. Armando due to the muscle strain he sustained in the round of 16. Juan Ignacio Nardoni faces a race against time to be in optimal condition for the rematch after a groin issue sustained at the start of the month in Colombia. These absences tilt the balance, increasing the responsibility on the rest of the attacking and midfield options to deliver productivity in the final third.
Back in the squad, the three players who sat out Racing’ s professional league opener against Unión but reported no serious injuries—Gabriel Arias, Leonardo Sigali, and Aníbal Moreno—will be available without restrictions for the continental clash. Gonzalo Piovi, though, was suspended for the domestic match, but suspension does not carry over to international competition, making him eligible for the Libertadores tie.
Additionally, the series will see the return of Juan Fernando Quintero and Agustín Almendra, who were not registered for the round of 16 but were included on the legitimate roster for Libertadores considerations. Their availability adds another layer of option for Gago as he crafts a plan to contend with Boca over the two legs.
PROBABLE STARTING APPROACHES AND SELECTION DYNAMICS
As the clock ticks toward kickoff, Gago evaluates whether to start with his trusted 4-3-3 arrangement or to rely on a back five that has yielded stability in recent fixtures. The question of personnel looms large, particularly around the midfield, where the coach must balance the need for control with the intensity Boca typically imposes on its home pitch.
Among the players under consideration in midfield is a veteran name whose return could provide experience and surge in the center. The decision also hinges on how Racing plans to manage Boca’s attacking threats and how quickly the team can transition from defense to attack once possession is established. Quintero’s return to activity adds another layer of complexity; his match fitness and timing will be watched closely to determine how his creativity can influence the game without risking rhythm or continuity.
In defense, the staff will assess whether to preserve the established backline or to introduce a slightly more conservative setup to counter Boca’s pace and pressure across the wings. The pressure in midfield will require disciplined positioning and collective pressing to disrupt Boca’s build-up play and to create opportunities on the counter. The balance between compact defensive shape and rapid, purposeful transitions will be critical to success in the first leg and to setting up a favorable outlook for the return.
Overall, the composition and tactical texture of the eleven remain open, with tactical flexibility likely to be the defining feature of Gago’s approach. The team’s mental readiness, discipline, and execution will be as important as the technical quality on the ball. The aim is to impose control, minimize errors, and capitalize on the few chances that arise in a tightly contested two-legged tie.