Racing Club vs River Plate Prediction & Betting Tips (2 October)

The Copa Argentina quarterfinal clash between Racing Club and River Plate promises fireworks at the Gigante de Arroyito on October 2. Both sides arrive with contrasting emotional baggage: River Plate, still reeling from a painful Copa Libertadores exit at the hands of Palmeiras, are desperate to salvage their season with domestic silverware. Racing, on the other hand, are riding high after dispatching Vélez and securing a semifinal berth in the Libertadores, injecting confidence and momentum into their camp. The stakes are enormous, with a semifinal spot against Independiente Rivadavia awaiting the victor.

Marcelo Gallardo’s River Plate will be looking to recalibrate quickly. Their recent form has been patchy, scraping past Unión Santa Fe on penalties in the previous round. The spotlight falls on Maximiliano Salas, whose controversial departure from Racing adds a layer of drama to this encounter. Salas, now a key figure in River’s attack, will face his former teammates with a point to prove. Gallardo is expected to lean on the experience of Juan Fernando Quintero and the defensive leadership of Paulo Díaz to steady the ship and counter Racing’s high press.

Racing Club, under the guidance of coach Gustavo Costas, have been tactically sharp and emotionally resilient. Their 3-0 demolition of Deportivo Riestra in the Round of 16 showcased their attacking depth, with Adrián Martínez and Juan Nardoni combining effectively in the final third. Costas has instilled a disciplined structure that allows Racing to transition swiftly from defense to attack, a trait that could exploit River’s recent defensive lapses. The midfield battle, likely featuring Aníbal Moreno and River’s Enzo Pérez, will be pivotal in dictating the tempo.

Expect a tightly contested affair, but Racing’s cohesion and current form give them a slight edge. With the emotional fuel of facing Salas and the tactical clarity Costas has brought, Racing are primed to edge this one. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of La Academia feels plausible—River will find the net, but Racing’s firepower and hunger may just tip the balance.