Racing Club Aims for Victory Against Bucaramanga in Copa Libertadores Match

AVELLANEDA, Argentina — Racing Club will face Atlético Bucaramanga on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Avellaneda during the second round of Group E in the Copa Libertadores. The reigning Copa Sudamericana champions seek to build on their strong start, following a decisive 3-0 victory against Fortaleza in their opening match.

Under the leadership of coach Gustavo Costas, Racing performed well in its continental debut, securing a win with goals from Maximiliano Salas, Agustín Almendra, and Santiago Sosa. With that performance, Racing currently sits atop their group. Additionally, they come off a 4-1 victory over Banfield in the Torneo Apertura, though they sit in tenth place in Zone A, trailing leaders Boca Juniors by 10 points.

The ‘Academia’ faces challenges heading into the match, particularly due to the injury of Juan Ignacio Nardoni, a key player and former star of last year’s Sudamericana campaign. “We hope to recover Gabriel Arias, Matías Zaracho, and Bruno Zuculini from their injuries in time for this match,” said Costas.

Bucaramanga, which has yet to secure a win in this year’s Copa Libertadores, will look to improve after drawing 3-3 against Chile’s Colo-Colo in their opening match. The Colombian team led twice during that match but conceded late, resulting in a disappointing draw. Locally, Bucaramanga recently lost 2-1 to Tolima, placing them in thirteenth in their league.

“We need to stay focused and secure points against a strong team like Racing,” said Bucaramanga’s coach Leonel Álvarez. Like Racing, many of the Colombian players will be coming off a tightly packed schedule.

Both teams have confirmed their lineups ahead of the match, with Racing likely to field either Gabriel Arias or Facundo Cambeses in goal, supported by defenders Nazareno Colombo, Santiago Sosa, and Agustín García Basso. The midfield will include Martín Barrios or Marco Di Césare, Almendra, and Gabriel Rojas. For the attack, Luciano Vietto, Maxi Salas, and Adrián Martínez are expected to lead the charge.

Bucaramanga will rely on goalkeeper Aldair Quintana and a defensive line featuring Aldair Gutiérrez and Carlos Romaña, with midfield support from Fabry Castro and Kevin Londoño, and forward firepower from Fabián Sambueza and Luciano Pons.

The match will be held behind closed doors due to a sanction imposed by CONMEBOL following an incident where Racing fans were found to have welcomed their players too aggressively during last year’s Copa Sudamericana match against Corinthians. Fans will be able to follow the action through television coverage on Fox Sports and streaming via Disney+.