Botafogo vs Racing Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The Recopa second leg takes place in Brazil on Friday, and our South American expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Racing vs Botafogo Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Having landed a 2.10 winner in Argentina, Nathan returns to see who will lift the trophy in Rio de Janeiro. Racing were excellent as they brushed aside their Brazilian opponents 2-0 in front of their fans, and they now have a precious lead to protect at Nilton Santos.

Botafogo are out of form without a head coach – and it’s showing. Another defeat at the weekend – this time against Vasco da Gama – has put them in a tricky situation heading into a game of this magnitude.

Can they fight back? Nathan has his say on who will lift the trophy.

Botafogo vs Racing Prediction: Venezuelan hosts best chance to score

Argentina, Recopa Sudamericana, Friday, February 28th, 00:30 (UK)

As predicted, it wasn’t easy for Botafogo in Argentina. If anything, it could have been more if it wasn’t for John’s heroics between the sticks early on. And now Racing head to Rio with a two-goal cushion to protect – a dangerous lead some may say.

There was little to no fight shown by the Brazilians in the first leg, who managed just one shot on target and finished the match with an xG of just 0.29.

Centre-back Alexander Barboza addressed the media, expressing how the sea of exits and lack of head coach has made life extremely difficult for the Copa Libertadores holders – who are miles away from where they want to be.

Players aren’t afraid to call out the situation – which is never positive heading into a new season.

And having lost the Super Cup final and first leg of the Recopa, Barboza has every right to be concerned. So much attacking quality has left – and whether they will be replaced in time for the new campaign is another question.

Yet one player has remained who has been heavily linked with a European move throughout the window. Jefferson Savarino finished last campaign as arguably their most important player, scoring eight goals as they went on to lift the title.

In Argentina, the Venezuelan operated on the right hand side of Botafogo’s 4-3-3, but has the license to drift into central areas – especially now Luiz Henrique is no longer at the club.

There was a clear lack of service in the first leg, but that should be different at the Nilton Santos. A big, plastic pitch won’t be what Racing are used to, and although they may well still be good enough to lift the title, Savarino poses the most threat to their goal.

Forward Igor Jesus hasn’t been good enough for a number of months now, and he was marshalled out of the game last week. But with Savarino having a free role and confidence in front of goal, the Venezuelan can get on the scoresheet at a rather generous price in the second leg.

• Racing vs Botafogo Prediction: Jefferson Savarino to score anytime
• Best Odds: 3.25
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Botafogo vs Racing Prediction odds via bet365 as at 11:30, February 26th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Botafogo vs Racing Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups

Botafogo lost at the weekend against Vasco but did choose to rest a number of key players with one eye firmly on this second leg. With a real lack of attacking players due to ongoing injuries and exits, it’s likely Igor Jesus will lead the line alongside Savarino and Matheus Martins.

Racing head to Brazil full of confidence after a perfect first leg. Star forward Adrian Martinez not only returned to the starting XI but also scored, while his partner Luciano Vietto put his first half penalty in the back of the net.

The latter, however, came off injured shortly afterwards and the 31-year-old is unlikely to feature in this second leg. Expect a slightly more defensive set up from Racing, which could help out our Savarino bet.

Botafogo possible starting lineup:
John; Vitinho, Barboza, Ricardo, Telles, Allan, Freitas, Gregore, Savarino, Jesus, Martins

Racing possible starting lineup:
Arias; Di Cesare, Colombo, Quiros, Martirena, Nardoni, Almendra, Rojas, Vietto, Solari, Martinez

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