Botafogo has made a major lineup shake-up for its Copa Sudamericana clash with Racing at El Cilindro, with Neto returning in goal and eight changes in total from the previous match. The Brazilian side will look for a stronger response in a high-pressure away fixture against one of the competition’s more demanding opponents.
Franclim Carvalho adjusted the team across all lines, bringing in Mateo Ponte, Ferraresi, Alex Telles, Allan, Edenílson, Matheus Martins and Júnior Santos alongside Neto. The changes point to a more balanced setup as Botafogo attempts to control the pace and absorb the intensity expected in Avellaneda.
Botafogo’s starting lineup
Botafogo will start with Neto; Mateo Ponte, Ferraresi, Alexander Barboza and Alex Telles; Allan, Edenílson and Cristian Medina; Júnior Santos, Arthur Cabral and Matheus Martins. The bench includes Raul, Vitinho, Bastos, Caio Roque, Newton, Huguinho, Álvaro Montoro, Santi Rodríguez, Jordan Barrera, Lucas Villalba and Kadir.
The return of Neto is one of the most notable adjustments, as Raul moves out of the starting team. The defensive structure also changes significantly, with Mateo Ponte and Ferraresi added to a back line that will be tested by Racing’s direct attacking play.
Racing also confirms its team
Racing, managed by Gustavo Costas, will line up with Cambeses; Cannavo, Pardo, Colombo and Ignacio Rodríguez; Santiago Sosa, Baltasar Rodríguez and Gonzalo Sosa; Martirena, Adrián Martínez and Conechny. The Argentine side arrives with a familiar core and will try to use home advantage to dictate the rhythm from the opening minutes.
The matchup at El Cilindro adds extra pressure for Botafogo, which needs discipline in midfield and concentration in transition to avoid giving Racing space near the box. With Arthur Cabral leading the attack and Matheus Martins and Júnior Santos offering pace on the wings, Botafogo will aim to turn the changes into a more competitive and compact performance.
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