The current champion of the 2024 Copa Sudamericana, Racing, is competing in the Recopa Sudamericana against Botafogo, the champion of that year's Copa Libertadores. The series between the two teams began last week, with Racing winning 2-0 at the Cilindro of Avellaneda thanks to goals from Luciano Vietto and Adrián 'Maravilla' Martínez, the latter from a penalty.
The second leg between Racing and Botafogo will be played this Thursday, February 27, at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Racing arrives at the return match with a considerable lead, as they only need a draw to be crowned champions of the Recopa Sudamericana. Even a loss by one goal would grant them the title. However, if Botafogo wins by two goals, there will be extra time, and if the tie persists, the outcome will be decided by a penalty shootout.
In the words of head coach Gustavo Costas about the upcoming match: 'We are focused on doing a good job, respecting the opponent but with the conviction of achieving another title for the institution.'
