Racing and all its enthusiasm will take to the field this Saturday to add a new continental title to its rich history. The rival in this Copa Sudamericana final will be Cruzeiro from Brazil, an old acquaintance; the stage, the La Nueva Olla stadium in Asunción, Paraguay; and the time for academic hearts to start beating stronger – although this has been happening for several days – will be 5:00 p.m. Television, meanwhile, will be provided by ESPN.
A large majority of racing fans are expected in La Nueva Olla – capacity for 42 thousand people -, while the thousands who traveled to Paraguay without a ticket will be able to follow the game in four “fan fests” organized by Conmebol, after the ban was ruled out. possibility of enabling the Nacional stadium. As if that were not enough, 35 thousand members will watch the final via screens in the Cilindro de Avellaneda (a sanction from Aprevide still weighs on the stadium). Yes, a reissue of “two courts in one day” from 2001.
“The mobilization of 50,000 people to Paraguay? And, it’s Racing. They achieved this. We received a lot of blows but we are here in the final. I never experienced this in the club and I have been there since I was little. I tell the fans to trust In them (the players), we can play well or badly, but despite the difficulties, they always left everything for the shield and this shirt,” Gustavo Costas commented on the matter this Friday at a press conference.
Led by the emblematic “Costitas” from the bench, Racing arrives in Asunción after achieving its fifth consecutive victory last Sunday in the classic against San Lorenzo. That streak began with a 2-1 draw against Ramón Díaz’s Corinthians in Avellaneda, to advance to the final this Saturday.
In addition to all the academic mystique that the coach carries, the fans have many reasons to be excited about what is happening on the field. For example, Juanfer Quintero is having his best days since he arrived at the club – he scored both goals in the semi-final and has just scored two great free kick goals this month, including one with the Colombian National Team – and “Maravilla” Martínez is located in the top of the table of scorers (9) and also of assists (5) of the Cup. Remarkable.
As if that were not enough, role players like Maxi Salas, an inexhaustible pressurer of defenders, are also at a peak of performance; Juan Nordoni, recovery midfielder, touch and great display; the Uruguayan Martirena, a leading scorer in this Cup; or the archer and captain Arias, to name a few cases.
Racing will then go in search of its fourth international title after the unforgettable Libertadores and Intercontinental 1967 of José’s Team and the 1988 Super Cup. It is worth remembering that Costa participated in both conquests, in the first as a “mascot” child and in the second as starting defender for the Coco Basile team.
“I want to be remembered as a fan. Neither as a mascot, nor as a player nor as a coach, always as a fan, because the Racing fan is the greatest thing the club has. We have to win the final no matter what. I always said that this group that this one surpasses all the ones I had in my career: they train, they drink mate, they sing, they get along very well,” added Costas, who is experiencing very emotional days.
That ’88 contest was played precisely against Cruzeiro, a final that was repeated in 1992 although on that occasion with a blue celebration. Buenos Aires and Mineiros faced each other 11 times in history, with four Argentine wins, five Brazilians and two draws. In terms of cup series, they are equal with two per side.
For its part, Cruzeiro is in the middle of the table in the Brasileirao, where it has won one of its last nine, but has just eliminated Lanús in the semis after drawing 1-1 in Belo Horizonte and winning in La Fortaleza with a goal from its great figure , former Santos and Juventus forward Kaio Jorge (4 goals in 6 games in the tournament).
Other well-known names of the blue cast are the experienced goalkeeper Cássio, the ex-Vélez and Independiente midfielder Lucas Romero, the ex-Argentinos defender Lucas Villaba, the winger Matheus Pereira (scorer this season with nine goals in 54 games) and coach Fernando Diniz, champion of the Libertadores last year at the head of Fluminense.
Possible formations, time and TV
- RACING: Arias; Martirena, Di Césare, García Basso, Rojas; Nardoni, Sosa, Almendra; Quintero, Salas, A. Martínez. DT: Back.
- CRUZEIRO: Cássio; William, João Marcelo, Villalba, Marlon; Wallace, L. Romero, Henrique; PEREIRA, G. VERON, Kaio Jorge. DT: Diniz.
- Stadium: La Nueva Olla (Paraguay). Referee: Esteban Ostojich (Uruguay). Time: 17. TV: ESPN.
**How has Racing’s historical performance in international competitions shaped their fans’ expectations for this Copa Sudamericana final?**
## World Today News: Copa Sudamericana Final Preview
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News! Today we’re diving into the electrifying atmosphere surrounding the upcoming Copa Sudamericana final between Racing and Cruzeiro. We’re joined by two esteemed guests: [Guest 1 Name], a prominent football analyst with years of experience covering South American football, and [Guest 2 Name], a dedicated Racing supporter and member of the official fan club.
**Section 1: The Magnitude of the Moment**
* **[To both guests]:** This final represents a momentous occasion for both clubs, but especially for Racing. Gustavo Costas, the coach, has spoken about the immense support and dedication of the Racing fans. Can you delve deeper into the significance of this match for the club and its passionate supporters?
* **[To Guest 1]:** We know Racing has a rich history in international competitions. How does this final compare to past successes, and what does it signify for Argentine football in the context of South American competitions?
**Section 2: Analyzing the Teams**
* **[To Guest 1]:** Cruzeiro may not be at the top of the Brasileirao standings currently, but they’ve shown their tactical prowess in the Copa Sudamericana run. What are Cruzeiro’s strengths, and how do you think Diniz will approach the match against Racing?
* **[To Guest 2]:** Racing comes into this final on a high note, with five consecutive victories and key players in exceptional form. What makes this squad so special and capable of clinching the title?
**Section 3: Key Players and Matchups**
* **[To both guests]:** Juanfer Quintero has been electric for Racing, and Kaio Jorge has emerged as a star for Cruzeiro. How crucial will their performances be in deciding the outcome of the match?
* **[To Guest 2]:** Who are some of the under-the-radar players from Racing who could play a pivotal role in this final?
**Section 4: The Fan Experience**
* **[To Guest 2]:** The article mentions the massive mobilization of Racing fans traveling to Paraguay, even beyond the stadium’s capacity. How do you anticipate the fans will create an impactful atmosphere, even with limitations on stadium capacity and viewing options?
* **[To both guests]:** This final is generating immense excitement beyond the stadium. How do you see this match impacting the broader football community in Argentina and Brazil, and potentially globally?
**Section 5: Predictions and Hopes**
* **[To both guests]:** What are your predictions for the match? What are the key factors that will determine the victor?
* **[To Guest 2]:** What message do you have for the Racing players and fans going into this crucial match?
**Closing Remarks**
Thank you both for sharing your insightful perspectives on this highly anticipated Copa Sudamericana final. We wish both Racing and Cruzeiro the best of luck, and we eagerly await a thrilling and memorable encounter. Good luck to both teams!
