El Ciclón welcomes the Academy back to Bajo Flores, marking the return of a long-standing team banner that signals a renewed sense of purpose and history.
San Lorenzo remains focused on advancing to the next stage of the 2023 League Cup. After earning a 1-1 draw in Santa Fe against Unión, the club returns home to face a storied national football classic that fans have anticipated with great excitement.
On the fourth matchday of Zone B, this Saturday, September 16, at 5 p.m., at the Pedro Bidegain Stadium, San Lorenzo will host Fernando Gago’s Racing Club in a clash loaded with significance for both sides as they push toward the championship in domestic competitions.
THE CALLS OF SAN LORENZO
There is positive news for the Barça team with the return of Nahuel Barrios, who had not traveled to Santa Fe. His reappearance brings added attacking options and a fresh spark to the lineup as the club prepares for a tough home fixture.
On the downside, two setbacks are noted: Carlos Sánchez and Adam Bareiro remain unavailable due to sanctions and are not included in the squad for the match. The club will navigate these absences by relying on other capable forwards and midfielders to sustain offensive momentum.
THE FORMATION OF SAN LORENZO
Coach Gallego is expected to implement two forced changes after the Santa Fe draw. Nahuel Barrios and Iván Leguizamón will come back into the starting group, while Carlos Sánchez and Adam Bareiro will miss out due to the recent suspension decisions. The tactical setup will emphasize balance between attack and defense, with midfielders pressing high and fullbacks providing width to support counterattacks.
The projected San Lorenzo XI is: Augusto Batalla; Rafael Pérez, Gastón Campi, Gastón Hernández; Agustín Giay, Iván Leguizamón, Jalil Elías, Gonzalo Maroni, Malcom Braida; Nahuel Barrios, Federico Girotti and Iván Leguizamón.
This pairing of personnel hints at a dynamic approach, leveraging Barrios’ pace and Girotti’s hold-up play to threaten the Racing defence while Leguizamón and Maroni offer creativity and running power. The defense will rely on Batalla’s reflexes and the central trio of Campi, Hernández, and Pérez to organize compact lines against quick attacks. The midfield balance aims to control tempo and create chances through quick, vertical passes and timely pressing in the opponent’s half, with Braida providing additional threat from the wings.
Match context and strategic stakes make this a fixture that could influence the trajectory of both teams in the early phase of the competition. San Lorenzo seeks momentum at home, building confidence for upcoming derbies and league fixtures, while Racing looks to consolidate their form and climb the standings with a result away from home. The atmosphere at Pedro Bidegain is expected to be electric, with supporters eager to see a disciplined performance that translates into a positive result on the field.
Overall, the squad dynamics indicate a measured but ambitious approach, combining veteran leadership with youthful energy. If the players execute the plan with discipline and tempo, San Lorenzo could exploit transitional moments and create meaningful scoring opportunities against a Racing side that tends to press aggressively and look for rapid counterattacks. The coaching staff will be watching closely for any fluidity in the front line and adapting the approach as the game unfolds, always aiming to turn the plan into points on the table. (Goal)