🛫Racing take their hopes to Rio de Janeiro for the first leg | OneFootball

This Wednesday, October 22 at 9:30 PM (Argentina time), the Maracanã Stadium will witness a clash of giants in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinals: Flamengo hosts Racing Club. The 'Mengão', one of the top contenders and recent champions, faces the "Academia" in a series with a history of tension and parity.

The Brazilian team arrives with high morale, looking to impose their authority at home and secure an advantage for the return leg in Avellaneda. With a powerful attack and the obligation to take the lead, Flamengo will try to make the most of the Maracanã’s weight.

Racing, meanwhile, relies on its grit and historical factor: although the head-to-head record is even, the Argentinians have managed to eliminate 'Fla' in both direct knockout series they played (Supercopa 1992 and Libertadores 2020). Gustavo Costas’ side knows that a positive result in Rio de Janeiro will be vital to shift the pressure to the Cilindro.

The match will be a tactical chess game between the Brazilian offensive power and the defensive solidity and cup savvy of the "Academia". Everything is set for a semifinal that promises strong emotions.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Marcelo Endelli - 2025 Getty Images