Velez Sarsfield — Racing Club Avellaneda : Match Preview and Prediction for September 17,2025

Velez Sarsfield’s Stellar Form

Velez Sarsfield approaches this quarter-final clash in sensational form. Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s squad has been on an impressive seven-match unbeaten streak, securing victories in five of their last six encounters. Just recently, on September 6, “El Fortín” lifted the Argentine Supercup, decisively defeating Central Cordoba with a 2-0 scoreline. This marks the club’s second trophy in the past two months, highlighting their recent dominance.

Fortress Jose Amalfitani

The home ground, “José Amalfitani,” has proven to be an impregnable fortress for Velez throughout this campaign. In their four home matches, the team has remained undefeated, claiming three wins and a single draw. It was precisely a 2-0 home victory against Brazilian side Fortaleza, following a goalless draw away, that secured their progression in the Round of 16. The team consistently demonstrates a pragmatic and highly disciplined defensive approach, which is critically important in knockout stages.

Squad Depth and Strategic Priorities

A significant blow comes with the absence of their main goalscorer, Brian Romero, who is sidelined due to a muscle tear. However, Michael Santos is set to fill his attacking role, ensuring their offensive threat will not diminish. Furthermore, in their last league match against Huracan (a 0-0 draw), Schelotto strategically rested key players, prioritizing this cup fixture. The team even managed to keep a clean sheet despite playing with ten men, underscoring their resilience.

Racing Club’s Wavering Form

The “Academia”, in stark contrast, approaches this game in a rather precarious state. While they did manage to secure a 2-0 victory over San Lorenzo in their most recent league fixture, this win merely snapped a daunting three-match losing streak in domestic competition. Overall, Racing has managed only two victories in their last eight league outings, a form that raises significant concerns about their consistency.

A Challenging Path to the Quarter-Finals

Their journey to the quarter-finals was achieved with considerable difficulty. Following a 0-1 defeat to Peñarol in Uruguay, Racing snatched a 3-1 victory in the return leg, only securing qualification thanks to a late goal in the final minutes. This was a tense affair and far from the dominant display one would expect from a tournament favorite.

Key Absences and Fan Restrictions

A critical factor is Racing’s personnel issues. Due to suspensions, central midfielder Bruno Zuculini and experienced defender Marcos Rojo will miss the match. These are significant gaps in the midfield and defense that will be extremely challenging to address in such a crucial away fixture. Adding to their woes, the series was marred by fan incidents, leading to a decision to hold both matches without away supporters, thereby depriving Racing of any backing on the road.