Racing Club has finalized its starting lineup for this Friday’s visit to Barracas Central at the Estadio Claudio Fabián Tapia. As reported by Racing de Alma, interim coach Chirola Romero has adjusted the squad to account for several forced absences, marking the end of a season that has fallen significantly short of expectations for the Avellaneda side. The match is set for 15:00 local time this Friday, November 6, 2026.

Matías Pérez Replaces Mateo Martínez in Defense

The most notable change occurs in the defense, where Matías Pérez replaces Mateo Martínez. According to Racing de Alma, Martínez is unavailable due to a muscle overload, leaving Pérez to anchor the backline alongside the increasingly prominent youth prospect Gonzalo Escudero. The defensive unit, which has struggled with consistency throughout the semester, will be tasked with providing stability against a Barracas side currently competing for a spot in international competition.

In the midfield, Romero has reaffirmed his trust in Matías Kranevitter as the team’s central pivot. The former River Plate player is expected to maintain the tactical balance of the squad, supported by a dynamic trio of Alejandro Tello, Gastón Lodico, and Matías Zaracho.

Offensive Changes Following Maravilla Martínez Injury

The attack faces a significant personnel void following the confirmation that Maravilla Martínez is ruled out due to a tear in the rectus femoris of his right leg. In his absence, Elías Torres has been selected to partner with Tomás Conechny. The coaching staff considered both Torres and Francisco Fraga for the role, ultimately opting for Torres to lead the line and audition for a spot in the 2027 roster.

Stakes in the Clausura Finale

While Racing has no remaining mathematical chance to qualify for the playoffs or international tournaments, the match carries symbolic weight and significant consequences for third parties. The result could directly impact the international qualification hopes of Independiente, Racing’s historical rival. Because Independiente and Barracas Central are currently locked in a tight race for a position in the Copa Sudamericana with 44 points each, a heavy loss for Barracas—specifically by more than one goal—would significantly alter the standings for the teams vying for the final continental slots.

The context for Racing remains difficult. The team finishes the Clausura in 12th place in Group B with 18 points, having already been eliminated from both the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Argentina earlier in the year. This season marks the first time in over a decade that the club has failed to secure a berth in any international competition for the following year, officially ending a 12-year streak of continental appearances.

Board Evaluates Squad and Coaching Candidates for 2027

The match is scheduled for 15:00 local time (18:00 UTC) at the Estadio Claudio Fabián Tapia in Buenos Aires and will be broadcast via ESPN Premium. A large turnout of fans is expected for the fixture. For the club’s leadership, the final 90 minutes of the 2026 season serve as an evaluation period for the squad ahead of a necessary reconstruction. Reports indicate that the board is already assessing candidates for the head coaching position, with figures such as Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Nico Diez, and Mauricio Pellegrino linked to the vacancy for 2027.

With this final fixture, Racing aims to conclude a challenging year on a positive note before beginning the transition toward the upcoming season. The matchday schedule also includes other critical encounters, such as San Lorenzo against Platense and Unión hosting Vélez, as various teams battle for playoff spots and Copa Libertadores qualification.