The last 16 of the Copa Libertadores gets underway this week as three-time champions Sao Paulo welcome Argentina’s Racing Club. The match schedules for Wednesday in Morumbi, with kickoff at 3:30 am.
After taking four points from the two group stages in May; the visitors remain confident of success. The opponents are low on confidence after a lackluster start to the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Sao Paulo fin themselves in a relegation scare last week, but back-to-back victories over Internacional and Bahia the saving grace. Hernan Crespo reduces the pressure after coming up with their first victory in nine league matches.
Celebrated veteran striker Hernan Crespo took over the managerial early this year. He oversaw the side through the regional Campeonato Paulista title in May. In addition, he helped them sail through Group E of the Copa Libertadores.
However, the side is yet to win a match in the Copa Libertadores in Argentina. The last time the side raised the trophy was in 2005. Therefore, stakes remain high heading into the opening leg on home soil.
On the other hand, Racing Club finished off fourth in the Argentinian Apertura back in May. In addition, the side followed by crowning the Intercontinental Cup champions after overcoming a heated clash with Celtic. Lisandro Perez returned to the camp to finish off the second half of 2021.
Sao Paulo vs Racing Club Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, Sao Paulo taking without a win while Racing Club with one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Sao Paulo 1-0 Bahia
- Internacional 0-2 Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo 1-2 Red Bull Braganinto
- Corinthians 0-0 Sao Paulo
- Ceara SC 0-0 Sao Paulo
Away
- Colon de Sante Fe 3-0 Racing Club
- Racing Club 0-0 Boca Juniors
- Racing Club 3-0 Rentistas
- Sao Paulo 0-1 Racing Paulo
- Velez Sarsfield 0-0 Racing Club
Sao Pauolo Team News
Veteran defender Bruno Alves is available for selection after facing a suspension following their win over Bahia. Other defensive options available for Hernan Crespo include Roberto Arboleda or Miranda.
Racing Club Team News
Ignacio Piatti took over the captain’s armband and will continue to wear it alongside Lisandro Lopez. Fabian Sanchez is unavailable for selection while recovering from an ACL injury.
Prediction and Odds
The visitors lack the advantage of playing in recent times; thus, Sao Paulo can make a win.
- Sao Pauolo Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Away
