The Academy Faces Banfield After a Streak Break and a Rio Trip
The Academy has accepted a difficult challenge as it tries to end a long winless run in the domestic league before heading to Rio de Janeiro to face Flamengo in a high-profile international clash. The 2023 campaign has shown two distinct faces of the team: a commanding performance in the Copa Libertadores where it leads Group A, a group that also contains the current continental champions, and a troubled stretch at home where results have been scarce. Eight matches without a win in the league, including six defeats, have tested the club’s resilience. Yet the club remains hopeful, aware that a steady response is needed to climb back toward the top and restore momentum in all competitions. With a refreshed mindset, the Academy understands that victory can come quickly when played with the grit and discipline that fans expect.
This Saturday at 9:30 p.m., the team welcomes Banfield, a rival that has just snapped its own losing run with a 2-0 victory over Rosario Central. That result gave Banfield a much-needed boost to their relegation battle and their standing in the annual table that determines safety in the league. For Racing, the immediate focus remains on production in two fronts: securing three points at home in the league and preparing for an important midweek trip to Flamengo. A positive result against Banfield could set a confident tone for an away game in Brazil, and even a single point could ensure a clean sweep of first place in their international group if results align in midweek.
IT’S CALLED RACING
News from the club’s training ground this week highlighted unavoidable personnel updates. Two stalwart players, Matias Rojas and Gonzalo Piovi, were absent at times but joined their teammates for training sessions and are expected to be available for the coach, Fernando Gago, when needed. Piovi had already logged minutes in the last competitive outing against Aucas and was rested against Banfield to keep him fresh for the tougher tests ahead.
Meanwhile, a handful of injuries continues to shape the squad. Maxi Romero and Nicolas Reniero remain sidelined, with Romero dealing with a muscular issue and Reniero continuing to recover from a bone edema. The team awaits the return of Thomas Avilés following Argentina’s participation in the U-20 World Cup, which will likely influence the matchday selections as the tournament concludes and players rejoin club duties.
THE RACING TRAINING
As usual, the coach faces the age-old question of lineup selection. The desire to win at home, coupled with the need to guard against a rival perched near the bottom of the table, makes the decision particularly delicate. It is plausible that Gago will lean toward his strongest available lineup to maximize control and capitalize on home support, even with Flamengo looming in the Maracanã on the horizon. The possibility exists that Piovi and Rojas could feature in the starting XI if fitness and tactical considerations align, though the matchup against Flamengo will require careful man-management.
Structurally, the squad features a dependable core that includes Gabriel Arias in goal, Leo Sigali marshaling the defense, Gabriel Rojas and Juan Nardoni providing balance on the flanks, and Anibal Moreno driving the midfield. These players form the steady nucleus around which the rest of the squad rotates in search of form and consistency. The remaining pieces continue to seek their best rhythm, aiming to convert potential into decisive performances week after week.
ALTERNATIVE VIEW
Further evaluation is ongoing. Coaching decisions will reflect the broader strategy for the season, weighing the need for results in the domestic league against the club’s ambitions in international competition. A careful balance between experimentation and stability could define bidirectional success across both fronts.
In summary, Racing navigates a critical period with a mix of domestic pressure and international opportunity. The team’s ability to translate training-ground improvements into on-field results will determine whether the club can finally consolidate its standings, protect its domestic position, and make a meaningful push in the Copa Libertadores group stage going forward.