Huachipato and Racing Club are set to clash in an exciting Copa Sudamericana match at the Estadio Sausalito on Tuesday. While Racing Club had a smooth journey through the group stages, Huachipato had to battle it out in the playoffs after their group stage exit from the Copa Libertadores.
Huachipato faced Racing de Montevideo in the playoff and had to overcome a first-leg deficit to secure a penalty-shootout victory. After a 3-2 defeat in the first leg, Cris Martinez’s goal in the return leg led them to a 1-0 victory and eventually a win in the penalty shootout. This victory was crucial for Huachipato, who had faced disappointment in the Copa Libertadores.
In their domestic league, Huachipato has been struggling, currently sitting in 15th place in the table. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with a winless run of four games. They are coming into the Copa Sudamericana tie following a goalless draw against Cobresal.
On the other hand, Racing Club had a strong showing in the Copa Sudamericana group stages, finishing at the top of their group with five wins out of six matches. They scored 15 goals in the group stages, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, they suffered a 1-0 loss in their recent league match, ending their four-game winning streak at home.
In terms of form, Racing Club has been more consistent than Huachipato, with a string of wins in both the Copa Sudamericana and their domestic competitions. They will be looking to continue their momentum in the upcoming match against Huachipato.
In terms of team news, Huachipato is expected to have a full-strength squad available, while Racing Club will be missing some key players due to injuries and suspensions. Adrian Martinez, who has been a standout performer for Racing Club, is eligible to feature despite receiving a red card in their previous match.
Looking ahead to the match, both teams will be aiming for a crucial first-leg victory. While Huachipato will be looking to turn their form around, Racing Club will be hoping to maintain their winning streak. With Racing Club having a stronger squad, they are likely to come away with a narrow victory.
Overall, the upcoming clash between Huachipato and Racing Club promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to make their mark in the Copa Sudamericana. It will be interesting to see how the match unfolds and which team comes out on top in this highly anticipated fixture.