The first leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025 quarter-finals between Velez Sarsfield (Argentina) and Racing Club (Argentina) will take place on September 17 at the Jose Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires. Velez Sarsfield vs. Racing Club: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Velez Sarsfield
In the previous round, Guillermo Barros Schelotto's team overcame Fortaleza (0-0, 2-0). In the Copa Libertadores, Velez Sarsfield remains unbeaten in five matches (2 wins, 3 draws). Moreover, the team has kept clean sheets in their last four games in this tournament. Notably, Velez Sarsfield has conceded only four goals in the current Copa Libertadores, second only to Flamengo (3).
- The club has not lost in regular time in 7 of their last 8 home matches in the Copa Libertadores (6 wins, 1 draw).
- At least three goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 7 of the last 10 home matches in this tournament.
- Velez Sarsfield has not conceded more than one goal in regular time in 6 of their last 8 home games in the Copa Libertadores.
Predicted lineup for Velez Sarsfield (4-5-1)
Tomas Marchiori – Emanuel Mammana, Aaron Quiros, Agustin Lagos, Elias Gomez – Claudio Baeza, Agustin Bouzat, Francisco Pizzini, Manuel Lanzini, Matias Pellegrini – Michael Santos.
Goalkeeper Tomas Marchiori, defenders Joaquin Garcia and Isaias Andrada, and forward Brian Romero will miss the game due to injuries.
Racing Club
In the round of 16, the club faced Penarol – losing 0-1 away, Racing Club secured victory at home (3-1) with the decisive goal scored in the fourth minute of added time in the second half. The team has won 4 of their last 5 Copa Libertadores matches, with three victories achieved without conceding. Racing Club's attacking prowess is noteworthy, having scored 17 goals in this Copa Libertadores, second only to Palmeiras (21).
- The club has not lost in regular time in 10 of their last 13 away matches in the Copa Libertadores (6 wins, 4 draws).
- The team has not conceded more than one goal in 90 minutes in their last five away games in this tournament.
- Racing Club has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in regular time in 9 of their last 13 away matches in the Copa Libertadores.
Predicted lineup for Racing Club (4-4-2)
Facundo Cambeses – Franco Prado, Santiago Sosa, Nazareno Colombo, Facundo Mura – Agustin Almendra, Federico Saracho, Gabriel Rojas, Santiago Solari Ferreira – Tomas Conechny, Adrian Martinez.
Defender Marcos Rojo and midfielder Bruno Zuculini are suspended.
Referee
Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 28;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 29%.
Velez Sarsfield vs. Racing Club: Match Prediction
At home, Velez Sarsfield prefers an attacking style and rarely struggles to break down opponents' defenses. In their last 14 home matches in the Copa Libertadores, the team has failed to score only once, and in nine instances, they have scored at least two goals. However, defensively, Velez Sarsfield is not always flawless, having kept just five clean sheets in this period.
Racing Club, even on the road, focuses on creating chances. In their last 13 away games in the Copa Libertadores, the team has only twice left the field without scoring and has scored at least twice in six of those matches. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the club ranks second in scoring in the current Copa Libertadores.
I anticipate efficient attacking play from both sides, hence my prediction: Both teams to score – yes
