The 2025 Copa Libertadores semifinals ignite with Brazil’s Flamengo hosting Argentina’s Racing Club in the first leg on October 22, 2025, at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro (kickoff 8:30 PM ET / 00:30 UTC on October 23). The Flamengo vs Racing Club match will advance to qualify for the final of the 2025 Copa Libertadores after 2nd leg match.
The return leg takes place on October 29 at Estadio Presidente Perón (El Cilindro) in Avellaneda. This matchup contrasts Flamengo’s flair and firepower against Racing’s disciplined resilience, as both chase a berth in the November 29 final at Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru—potentially against Palmeiras or LDU Quito.
Flamengo’s home dominance could secure an early edge, but Racing’s knockout grit positions them as live underdogs in a tie ripe for drama.
The 2025 Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores, the 66th edition of South America’s top club football tournament. Flamengo, Racing Club, LDU Quito and Palmeiras reached on the semifinal match. LDU Quito vs Palmeiras Semifinals will be played on the first leg on October 23, 2025.
2025 Copa Libertadores Semifinal – Flamengo vs Racing Club Journey
Table of Contents
Flamengo’s Gritty Campaign
Flamengo, the 2019 and 2022 champions, topped Group A with 13 points, showcasing their Serie A-leading form (54 points from 28 games).
They edged Bolívar 3-0 on aggregate in the round of 16, then survived a thriller against Estudiantes de La Plata in the quarters: a 2-1 home win followed by a 1-0 loss in La Plata, advancing 4-2 on penalties thanks to Agustín Rossi’s heroics.
Under coach Filipe Luís, they’ve scored 22 goals while conceding just eight, blending veterans with youth for a fourth semifinal appearance since 2019. Domestically unbeaten in their last 10, Mengão enters as joint-favorites.
Racing Club’s Defensive Masterclass
Racing Club, the 1967 Libertadores champions and 2024 Copa Sudamericana winners, topped Group B with 13 points and currently hold third place in the Argentine Liga Profesional.
They edged out Peñarol 3-2 on aggregate in the round of 16 (losing 0-1 away but winning 3-1 at home), and then secured a 2-0 aggregate victory over Vélez Sarsfield in the quarterfinals with back-to-back 1-0 wins, thanks to goals from Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez and Santiago Solari.
Managed by Gustavo Costas, La Academia boasts the tournament’s second-best attack (19 goals) and six clean sheets, marking their first semifinal since 1997. Their unbeaten streak in 2025 knockouts fuels dreams of a second crown.
Flamengo vs Racing Club Key Players to Watch
Flamengo Key Players
- Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Midfielder): The Uruguayan maestro has three assists and two goals; his vision unlocks defenses in big games.
- Pedro (Forward): With five goals, the striker’s aerial prowess and finishing (nearing 150 club goals) make him indispensable.
- Agustín Rossi (Goalkeeper): Hero of the Estudiantes shootout with two saves; his command has anchored four clean sheets.
Racing Club Key Players
- Adrián Martínez (Forward): Tournament top scorer with seven goals, including the Vélez opener; his poise in the box is lethal.
- Santiago Solari (Forward): Scored the decisive quarterfinal winner; his late runs and seven goals overall add unpredictability.
- Juan Fernando Quintero (Midfielder): The creative engine with precise passing; his set-pieces could exploit Flamengo’s flanks.
Key Players Head-to-Head History
The sides have clashed four times, with Flamengo unbeaten: one win and three draws, averaging 2.25 goals per game.
Their last meeting, a 2023 group-stage stalemate (1-1 in Rio), saw both teams score. Flamengo’s edge in Brazil (unbeaten in last five home Libertadores games) contrasts Racing’s away resilience (three wins in 2025). Expect goals—three of four H2Hs exceeded 2.5 total.
Key Players Predictions
Flamengo’s pedigree and home fortress make them clear favorites to advance, extending Brazil’s six-title streak. Yet Racing’s counters and Martínez’s form could steal a vital away goal.
Simulations give Flamengo a 55% chance of winning the first leg, 25% draw, and 20% Racing upset; over 2.5 goals hits in 48% of models, aligning with H2H trends.
Anticipate a 2-1 Flamengo opener, but Racing’s resolve sets up a nervy decider. Victory here propels the winner toward glory—tune in via beIN Sports or CONMEBOL streams for the fireworks.
How to watch Flamengo vs Racing Club 2025 Copa Libertadores Semifinal match?
Flamengo vs Racing Club semifinal match available on air live on beIN SPORTS (English) and beIN SPORTS en Español (Spanish).
In Brazil, viewers enjoy comprehensive coverage with Globo airing free-to-air finals and key matches. Across the rest of South America (LATAM), ESPN leads on pay-TV, while Paramount offers free-to-air options in certain countries.
