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Horse Racing Racing vs Botafogo Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
The Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana champions come together for the Recopa first leg, and our South American expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Racing vs Botafogo Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
The Sudamericana champions always host the first leg of the Recopa final, and Racing will be hoping to take an advantage to Rio de Janeiro next week. The Argentine club has a competitive advantage, having played six league matches to date.
And while Botafogo has returned to action in the Carioca, these less-important fixtures have only seen their first team players feature a few times in 2025. With key players having left the club, and with no manager at the helm, it could be a difficult trip for the Brazilians.
Racing vs Botafogo Prediction
Argentina, Recopa Sudamericana, Friday, February 21st, 00:30 (UK)
It has been a hit and miss start to Racing’s Primera campaign. Heading into their Recopa first leg on the back of two defeats wasn’t part of the plan, and with a couple of absences from their starting XI, it has thrown a slight spanner in the works.
However, Botafogo arrive in Argentina in less convincing form. Their success in 2024 is already a distant memory with the departure of several players that helped secure the club those titles – as well as the man who led them.
Head coach Artur Jorge left to manage Qatari club Al-Rayyan, while Thiago Almada moved to Lyon and Luiz Henrique departed for Russia. The rebuild has already begun, but owner John Textor has yet to find a manager to lead the charge in 2025. Highly concerning with the league beginning next month.
Their Carioca campaign has largely featured youth players, and the first team have only made a handful of appearances together. Two of those came against Flamengo. They lost both.
To make matters worse, centre-back Bastos is out injured, while aside from an out-of-form Igor Jesus ready to lead the line, Botafogo are lacking another striker with Tiquinho Soares linking up with Neymar at Santos.
The hosts, however, have a striker capable of causing several issues to the Brazilian’s backline. Adrian Martinez scored 10 goals in 13 Sudamericana matches last season, and has opened this campaign with four in four.
The 32-year-old has been out injured for the last two matches – explaining their recent defeats – but reports show he’s been in training since Monday. He’ll be leading the line, which is a huge boost for Racing.
They will sadly be without Santiago Sosa, but do have adequate replacements that can step into the heart of the defence.
Racing rarely lose at home. In fact, they’ve lost just three of their last 20, winning 17 of those. It was a large reason for their success in the Sudamericana.
And they’ll know a win is vital if they are to win this trophy. An away leg at the Nilton Santos will be difficult, no matter what form Botafogo are in, and this is their chance to take a lead to Brazil in a weeks time.
Botafogo were all over the place when they lost 3-1 against Flamengo in the Brazil Super Cup final, and without a head coach, they are lacking any kind of identity that can make them competitive in Argentina.
Racing vs Botafogo Prediction odds via bet365 as at 10:30, February 19th, 2025. Odds may now differ.
Racing vs Botafogo Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups
Racing, as mentioned, have been given a huge boost with the return of their star forward Adrian Martinez. Without him, they struggle, but reports state he’s ready to feature in the final.
If Martinez isn’t to get on the scoresheet, Racing fans will turn to Luciano Vietto to produce the goods. After scoring for fun in Saudi Arabia, the Argentine has returned to his boyhood club and has three goals in his first five matches.
Botafogo’s new signing Artur may miss out after suffering an injury against Nova Iguacu. He’s been sidelined ever since, and this first leg could come too soon for the former Palmeiras winger.
Matheus Martins, known for his short stint at Watford, is likely to fill in for his Brazilian teammate who was rested in their recent 1-1 draw against Boavista. Igor Jesus will lead the line, who is currently on a four match streak without scoring.
Racing possible starting lineup:
Arias; Di Cesare, Colombo, Quiros, Martirena, Nardoni, Almendra, Rojas, Vietto, Solari, Martinez
Botafogo possible starting lineup:
John; Vitinho, Barboza, Ricardo, Telles, Allan, Freitas, Gregore, Savarino, Jesus, Martins
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