Huachipato will be seeking a first-leg advantage in the Copa Sudamericana playoff round when they host Racing de Montevideo at Estadio Municipal de Concepcion on Tuesday.
The Chilean side dropped into the second-tier competition after finishing third in their Copa Libertadores group, while their Uruguayan opponents secured their playoff spot with a second-place finish in the group stage.
Match preview
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Huachipato return to South America's second-tier club competition for the first time since 2021, but their participation comes after a disappointing end to their first Copa Libertadores campaign in over a decade.
The Chilean champions looked set to progress from the group but a 1-0 home defeat to Gremio on the final matchday ultimately proved costly, leaving them with eight points and in third place.
Despite this setback, Los Acereros, who have never won a continental trophy, will be eager to lift the Copa Sudamericana, but standing in their way of a place in the round of 16 is Racing CM, a side they have never faced before in any capacity.
Francisco Troncoso's team arrive for the match in poor form, having lost their last two games and not played for over three weeks.
Like their opponents, Racing CM reached the playoffs following a 3-0 defeat to Corinthians on the final Copa Sudamericana matchday, which allowed the Brazilian side to overtake them in the table.
The Uruguayan outfit have limited experience in continental competitions, with one appearance each in the Copa Libertadores (2010) and Copa Sudamericana (this season).
They will be aiming to make the most of their debut campaign in the competition, but Eduardo Espinel's side must improve on recent performances if they are to achieve this goal.
Racing CM are winless in their last four matches, suffering two defeats and drawing two, and currently sit fifth in the Uruguayan first division with five points from five games.
Their away form is particularly poor, with no wins in their last five matches on the road and just one victory in their past eight games across all competitions.
Team News
Huachipato recently added 35-year-old goalkeeper Fabian Cerda to their side for the second half of this campaign, creating more competition for Martin Parra.
Cris Martinez had three goal contributions during the Copa Libertadores, more than any other player the Chilean side, and he is expected to be part of the attack.
Racing CM striker Nicolas Sosa has been injured since April 7, missing 18 matches since then and is not expected back for this clash.
Tomas Veron Lupi is a man to watch for the visitors, bagging six goals and four assists in the competition already.
Huachipato possible starting lineup:
Parra; Castillo, Gazzolo, Gonzalez, Guiterrez; Palmezano, Sepulveda, Montes; Gutierrez, Rodriguez, Martinez
Racing de Montevideo possible starting lineup:
Odriozola; Cotungo, Magallanes, Ferreira; Espinosa; Loa Santos, Rodriguez, Varela, Mederos; Nandin, Veron Lupi
We say: Huachipato 2-1 Racing de Montevideo
Huachipato have been inconsistent at home, and Racing CM are on a winless streak, suggesting a closely fought match between the two sides on Tuesday.
However, the hosts have demonstrated superior quality over the past year and hold a slight advantage over the visitors, making them favourites to win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
