Racing - Peñarol, the rematch of the Montevideo battle: the streak Costas is looking to break and the precedent that generates excitement.

The gaze travels back in time, and the memory is fresh, despite the fact that three decades have passed. Racing had just lost in Montevideo to Peñarol with a goal from Robert Lima, and the rematch at the Cilindro was eagerly awaited. The quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores were being played, no less. The stadium was packed, and the fans ended up celebrating. La Academia tied the series with a goal from Magician Rubén Capria and won on penalties with an extraordinary performance from Nacho González . The coach was Alfio Basile .

That team's dream was cut short in the semi-final against Sporting Cristal, but it marked an era. Today, there are similarities, and fans expect an identical outcome to the 1997 victory against the Uruguayans . It's true that this is the round of 16, but there's an heir to the Coco on the bench. Gustavo Costas, that's the one who will be the next. And this Tuesday night, starting at 9:30 p.m., he'll be looking to stay in the running.

Ultimately, this is Racing's main objective of the year, having only won the Libertadores in 1967. Costas set himself the goal of celebrating again, no longer as the mascot of José's unforgettable team, but as a coach. He won the Sudamericana and the Recopa, no less, and he's going for more.

🟠 In 1997, in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, Racing reversed the tie against Peñarol after losing 1-0 in the first leg in Montevideo. 🏟 At the Cilindro, Racing won 1-0 with a goal from Rubén “El Mago” Capria and qualified on penalties.

📊 Did you like #ElDatodelCM ?… pic.twitter.com/owY7AbMO6K

— Betsson Argentina (@Betsson_ARG) August 18, 2025

It won't be easy, that's clear. And not just because of a tough opponent who prevailed at the Campeón del Siglo; also because the team is going through a footballing crisis . They've lost four of their last five matches in Avellaneda and have had their worst start in the local championship ever .

Costas is working to fill the gap left by Maximiliano Salas, who decided to leave for River Plate through a buyout clause that left a surplus in the bank but also a huge void in attack. His partner , Maravilla, is currently on a four-match goalless streak . "We need to support him better, and he shouldn't leave the box. That's why we brought in Torres," said the coach regarding the former Aldosivi striker's entry. Will he start? Adrián Balboa left a very good impression against Tigre, aside from the goal.

The reinforcements, for now, aren't entirely convincing . Torres himself, Duvan Vergara, and Tomás Conechny have had their fair share of good and bad times. Franco Pardo had two good matches (against Riestra and Boca Juniors), but was sent off against Tigre. Marcos Rojo arrived to play in the Libertadores. He made his debut in Montevideo and is expected to start this Tuesday.

Peñarol arrives with the advantage thanks to David Terans' goal in the first leg, but they also lost the local tournament, 2-1 to Boston River. Diego Aguirre kept some players in reserve for the rematch against Racing. He settled in at the Sheraton Hotel in Hudson and trained at the Bosques training ground. Leonardo Fernández, who injured his right knee in the first leg, traveled with the squad. The medical team is working to get him fit. For now, his presence is in doubt. The Carbonero team's management publicly complained about Nazareno Colombo, who hit his team's star. They claimed that he went out determined to hurt him.

Regarding security, there will be special security for Peñarol fans. Aprevide (Agency for the Prevention of Violence in Sports) reported that the operation will involve 850 Buenos Aires Provincial Police officers, 160 private security personnel, 280 Utedyc employees, 7 ambulances, 20 first aid workers, 2 medical tents, a fire engine, and a mobile police station.

The organization ruled out allowing them to enter five hours beforehand, as occurred in Montevideo. Doors will open for the home crowd as usual, three hours before the match. Meanwhile, Peñarol fans will be allowed in starting at 5:00 PM as they arrive.

There's one issue of concern beyond the Uruguayans' movement: the weather conditions. Storms are expected. Conmebol has already warned that referee Wilmar Roldán will decide the match's outcome three hours before kickoff .