A tense Avellaneda derby between a struggling Racing and Independiente
On Sunday, 18 October 2026, Racing Club take on Independiente at the Estadio Presidente Perón, in round 13 of the Liga Profesional’s Clausura. Interim coach Sebastián Romero’s side are 13th in Zone B with 11 points and lost 2-0 at home to Belgrano last weekend. Independiente are seventh in Zone A with 18 points, on the edge of the playoff places, and drew 0-0 at Talleres. Kick-off is at 19:45 CEST (14:45 local time), with Facundo Tello the referee.
“Today I went with experience, and I’ll probably do the same in the derby.” – Independiente coach Jadson Viera (translated)
Predicted lineups: Racing Club vs Independiente
Racing are without centre-back Marco Di Césare (broken fibula), Valentín Carboni and Alan Forneris (both knee ligament injuries) and Leandro Córdoba. Romero has not settled on his attack, and Duván Vergara may start. Independiente have Maximiliano Meza back from suspension, and Zabala has recovered from a broken toe. The line-ups below follow El Primer Grande for Racing and Crónica for Independiente.
Racing Club Team News & Preview
Racing lost 2-0 at home to Belgrano last weekend. The game was fairly even, but Belgrano were more clinical, and fans insulted club president Diego Milito at full time. Romero, who took over after Juan Pablo Vojvoda was sacked, won his first game 2-1 at Estudiantes de Río Cuarto.
The playoff places are almost out of reach, so the derby is about saving the season. Racing’s defence is weakened by Di Césare’s broken fibula.
What works for or against Racing Club
- Failed to score against Belgrano.
- Di Césare, Carboni and Forneris out.
- Four home defeats in seven.
- A derby crowd at the Cilindro.
Independiente Team News & Preview
Independiente drew 0-0 at Talleres, with a late goal ruled out by VAR. Viera called the derby all or nothing, because Independiente sit right on the line for the playoff places.
They have been solid away from home, conceding three goals in six games, but their attack has scored 11 in 12 Clausura matches. They also won the April derby 1-0.
What works for or against Independiente
- Three goals conceded in six away games.
- Won the April derby 1-0.
- Meza back from suspension.
- 11 goals in 12 Clausura games.
Racing Club vs Independiente Odds
Match Result
Double Chance
Over/Under
Both Teams to Score
Racing Club vs. Independiente Stats Comparison
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Racing Club vs. Independiente Form Guide
Racing Club Form, Stats & Data
Racing score 1.08 goals per game in the Clausura and concede 1.58. At home they have two wins, one draw and four defeats.
Independiente Form, Stats & Data
Independiente score 0.92 goals per game in the Clausura and concede 1.00. Away from home they have four wins, one draw and one defeat, with 8 goals scored and 3 conceded.
Racing Club vs Independiente: Prediction & Betting Tip
Independiente have scored 11 goals in 12 Clausura games and conceded three in six away games. Racing failed to score last weekend and are missing a key centre-back and two attacking players. The April derby finished 1-0. I like Under 2.5 Goals at 1.59.
The best argument the other way is the pressure on both sides. Racing need a win to save their season, Independiente need points for the playoffs, and the game could open up late. But the last derby was settled by a single goal, and neither attack is in form.
So it is Under 2.5 Goals at 1.59 with Winz for me, and I expect a 1-1 scoreline.