In the hope of winning an international trophy again for the first time this century, Racing Club and Cruzeiro will meet on Saturday in the final of the Copa Sudamericana.
The La Nueva Olla stadium in Asunción will be at full capacity to see another final between teams from Argentina and Brazil, who lead, with nine and five titles, respectively, the history of the competition by country.
The new champion will take the Quito League title, crowned a year ago by beating Fortaleza, and will break the dominance of the Ecuadorian teams that started with Independiente del Valle in 2022.
Racing, monarchs of the Libertadores in 1967, are seeking their first international celebration in 36 years. The last celebration was the Super Cup 1988 – the predecessor of the Sudamericana – precisely against Cruzeiro. Their current coach Gustavo Costas was part of that team.
“Racing is the love of my life,” Costas said. “I’m worried, like all the fans. My players give me peace of mind. “We’re having a really good moment.”
For its part, Cruzeiro won the Super Cup in 1992 against Racing. This is their first international competition final since 2009, when they lost to Estuiantes in the Copa Libertadores. Their last conquest was the Recopa Sudamericana in 1998.
“Cruzeiro’s recent history has had a lot of suffering,” coach Fernando Diniz said. “The fans have suffered a lot in recent times and this achievement is more deserving of anyone. “We are committed to making this happen.”
Way to the final
The Academy reaches the decisive game with an almost perfect way. In the group stage, they added 15 points by winning five of six games against Sportivo Luqueño, Bragantino and Coquimbo, with a balance of 14 goals and only three against.
In the final stages, the Avellaneda team won Huachipato (with an aggregate score of 8-1), and the Brazilians Athletico Paranaense (4-2) and Corinthians (4-3).
Cruzeiro, for its part, finished the first round undefeated against Universidad Católica, Alianza Lima and Unión La Calera. He kept a clean sheet in five games and tallied eight goals.
The “Raposa” left Boca Juniors on the road in a fair fight that was decided in the penalty (5-4) in the round of 16. Then, they beat Libertad (3-1 in total) and Lanús (2-1).
Figures of the competitors
Racing’s scheme revolves around Colombia’s Juan Fernando Quintero, who scored both goals against Corinthians and gave them a place in the final.
The 31-year-old hitchhiker joined his team-mates in Asunción, after playing with his team in the doubleheader of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers where he scored a goal from a free kick against Uruguay.
Another notable player is the Chilean goalkeeper, Gabriel Arias, who at 37 years of age is the most experienced player at the academy.
In defense, Marco Di Cesare stands out, who played in the Paris Olympics with Argentina; midfielder Santiago Sosa, who combines quality and solidity in midfield; and the attacker Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez, the main scorer of the tournament, with nine screamers, tied with Yuri Alberto, from Corinthians.
Cruzeiro have goalkeeper Cassio in their ranks, who joined the club this year after 13 seasons with Corinthians, with whom he won the Libertadores and the Club World Cup in 2012.
The talent quota is led by Matheus Pereira, who pulls the strings in the creation zone. His good form this season has earned him a call-up for Brazil at the FIFA World Cup in October.
In the offensive zone, Diniz has promised two Brazilian football players, such as Gabriel Veron and Kaio Jorge, who were champions with their under-17 team in 2019 and are trying to shine again after not expecting in their first attempts at European football. .
The Copa Sudamericana champion will receive $6 million in prize money, while the loser will receive $2 million.
– What are the historical implications for Racing Club if they win the Copa Sudamericana final?
Time.news Interview: Copa Sudamericana Final Preview
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, renowned football analyst and historian, Dr. Javier Morales. With the Copa Sudamericana final looming large this Saturday between Racing Club and Cruzeiro, we’re excited to dive into the match. Dr. Morales, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here, especially with such an exciting final ahead.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. This match marks a significant moment for both teams. Racing Club is chasing its first international trophy in 36 years. What do you think is at stake for them?
Dr. Morales: Absolutely, it’s monumental for Racing. They haven’t tasted international success since the Super Cup in 1988. Their coach, Gustavo Costas, has a personal connection as he was part of that team. It’s not just a match; it’s a chance to reconnect with history and to bring glory back to a club that has had its ups and downs. The fans are eager, and that energy can be a double-edged sword—it brings motivation but also pressure.
Editor: And on the other side, Cruzeiro hasn’t reached an international final since 2009. What does this match mean for them, considering their recent struggles?
Dr. Morales: For Cruzeiro, this final is a chance for redemption. Their journey has been tough, and coach Fernando Diniz expressed that the fans have endured a lot in recent years. Winning this title would not only provide a much-needed boost to the team but also restore faith in the club’s direction. It would be a massive statement to not only their supporters but also to the South American football community.
Editor: Speaking of support, the match will take place at the La Nueva Olla stadium in Asunción. How do you expect the venue and atmosphere to impact the game?
Dr. Morales: The venue can play a crucial role. La Nueva Olla is known for generating incredible support, and I expect it to be full of passionate fans from both sides. This kind of atmosphere can elevate performances but can also create pressure. The key will be how players handle that pressure—whether they thrive in it or let it get the better of them.
Editor: Both teams have had impressive runs to this final. Racing has shown dominance in their progression, while Cruzeiro had a tougher path including a penalty shootout against Boca Juniors. What does this tell us about their respective forms heading into the final?
Dr. Morales: Racing has demonstrated remarkable consistency and offensive prowess, scoring a total of 14 goals in the group stage alone. This form can instill confidence, and they’ll enter the game with a strong belief in their abilities. Cruzeiro, however, has shown resilience, particularly in overcoming a heavyweight like Boca Juniors. Their journey may have been challenging, but that kind of grit can often prove invaluable in high-stakes matches like this.
Editor: You mentioned Racing’s offensive edge. Players like Juan Fernando Quintero are pivotal in their scheme. How important will individual performances be in determining the outcome?
Dr. Morales: Individual brilliance can often tip the scales in finals. Quintero, known for his creativity and vision, can break defenses wide open. The ability for a key player to change the game in a moment is crucial. Both teams have standout talents, and if they can deliver on the big stage, it could be the difference between lifting the trophy and going home empty-handed.
Editor: if you had to make a prediction, what are your thoughts on who might take home the trophy?
Dr. Morales: It’s genuinely tough to call. Both teams have compelling stories and strengths. If Racing can leverage their attacking momentum, they might edge it out. However, if Cruzeiro brings their fighting spirit and resilience, they could very well emerge as the champions. Whatever the outcome, we can expect a thrilling match!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morales, for your insights! It seems we’re all set for an exhilarating Copa Sudamericana final this Saturday. Fans won’t want to miss it!
Dr. Morales: Absolutely! It’s going to be a clash of titans, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Thanks for having me!
