Racing and Botafogo Clash in Intense Recopa Sul-Americana Showdown

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Racing Club and Botafogo will face off in the first leg of the 2025 Recopa Sul-Americana on Thursday, February 20, at 9:30 p.m. local time at El Cilindro stadium in Avellaneda. This highly anticipated match features the champions of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, respectively, as they compete for the prestigious title.

Racing, the Argentinian side, enters the match amid a troubling period, having lost three of their last four games. Head coach Gustavo Costas faces significant challenges, as two of his starting center-backs are unavailable due to injuries. The team currently sits seventh in Group A of the Apertura with a record of three wins and three losses.

In contrast, Brazil’s Botafogo comes into the match facing uncertainty both on and off the pitch. Interim head coach Cláudio Caçapa will lead the team while they seek to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Carioca. The team faces notable absences, including defender Bastos, midfielder Gregore, and forward Artur, casting shadows over their preparations.

Racing’s recent performance has been hampered by the loss of key player Juanfer Quintero, who transferred to América de Cali, impacting their attacking capabilities. With Santiago Sosa and Agustín García Basso also sidelined due to injuries, the current roster is expected to feature Martirena, Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez, and Lautaro Vietto as primary players to watch.

Projected lineup for Racing: Gabriel Arias; Marco Di Césare, Nazareno Colombo, and Santiago Quiros; Martirena, Juan Nardoni, and Gabriel Rojas; Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez and Maximiliano Salas.

On Botafogo’s side, the situation is similarly precarious. They will likely feature Danilo Barbosa in a makeshift defense alongside Alexander Barboza due to injuries and suspensions. With Artur out, Caçapa may choose Rafael Lobato to add depth to the attack.

Projected lineup for Botafogo: John; Vitinho, Danilo Barbosa, Barboza, and Alex Telles; Allan, Marlon Freitas, and Savarino; Matheus Martins and Igor Jesus.

The Recopa Sul-Americana, currently in its 32nd edition, pits the champions of the Copa Libertadores against the Copa Sudamericana winners. Botafogo claimed their Libertadores title in 2024 by defeating Atlético-MG 3-1, while Racing secured their Sudamericana victory over Cruzeiro by the same scoreline.

Both clubs aim to capture the Recopa title, which remains absent from their trophy cabinets; Racing previously fell short in the inaugural competition, losing to Nacional of Uruguay in 1989, while Botafogo was bested by São Paulo in 1994.

The match will be showcased live on ESPN and Disney+ with ample media coverage expected for this high-stakes encounter.