Flamengo v Racing Club: Copa Libertadores 2025 Semi-Final Preview | OneFootball

The first of the 2025 Copa Libertadores semi-finals delivers a classic Brazil vs Argentina showdown, as Flamengo face Racing Club in a matchup that rarely disappoints. The two sides have met four times since 2020, with three of those encounters ending in draws within normal time. Flamengo claimed their only victory during the 2023 group stage, winning 2–1.

However, their meeting in the 2020 Round of 16 is one Flamengo fans won’t forget. After two tightly contested 1–1 draws, the tie went to penalties, where Racing held their nerve, converting every spot-kick to eliminate Flamengo.

Flamengo are chasing their first Copa Libertadores title since Gabriel Barbosa’s winner in Guayaquil three years ago, and they would love to return to the final in 2025, which will be held in Lima, a city filled with good memories. It was there in 2019 that Jorge Jesus’ free-flowing Flamengo side produced a historic late turnaround against River Plate, sparking a new era of success for the club.

Filipe Luís’ side have adopted a style reminiscent of Jorge Jesus’ Flamengo, while adding his own tactical identity. Having been part of both the 2019 and 2022 Libertadores-winning squads as a player, he now leads as coach, and Flamengo have become exciting to watch once again, with performances improving and results trending upward, since he took charge last year.

In the Quarters, they faced Estudiantes, where Flamengo took control with a 2–0 lead after goals from Pedro and Guillermo Varela inside the opening 10 minutes. Rubro-Negro seemed firmly in charge of the tie. However, despite what looked like a relatively comfortable night for Flamengo, they allowed Estudiantes to claw their way back into the match through a Leo Pereira own goal in the dying embers of the first leg.

The second leg was a much more nervy affair for Flamengo; Gastón Benedetti put Estudiantes 1–0 up on the night, levelling the tie on aggregate. That’s how it remained at full-time, although Benedetti briefly thought he had secured a dramatic winner in the 74th minute, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Flamengo held their nerve, converting four spot-kicks while Estudiantes missed twice, allowing Rubro-Negro to progress to the next stage of the Copa Libertadores.

Since securing their place in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals, Flamengo’s form has been somewhat inconsistent but largely positive. They have won three matches, drawn one, and lost once during that run. Their most recent performance came at the weekend, where they delivered a strong display to move level on points with Palmeiras in the race for the Brasileirão title, edging their rivals 3–2 in a thrilling encounter. That victory will serve as a major confidence boost heading into this clash against a Racing Club side who will be eager to take down another Brazilian outfit.

Racing Club are chasing their first Copa Libertadores title since 1967. The current Copa Sudamericana holders have been in impressive form this season and, much like Flamengo, have played an exciting brand of football. They will now look to take their momentum one step further as they prepare for this high-stakes clash against the Brazilian giants.

To put their progress into perspective, since Gustavo Costas began his third spell in charge on December 15, 2023, Racing Club have played 102 matches, winning 58, drawing 13 and losing 31. During this period, they have scored 174 goals and conceded 90, giving Costas a win rate of 56.86%.

In 2025, they have been Brazilian slayers, which began in emphatic fashion with a 4–0 aggregate victory over Botafogo in the Recopa Sudamericana, a result that gave them plenty of confidence heading into the start of the Libertadores. They carried that momentum into domestic action, defeating Fortaleza 3–0 at home before securing a 1–0 win in the home match to secure top spot in the group.

In the Quarters, Racing Club’s most recent Copa Libertadores outing came in the quarter-finals against fellow Argentine side Vélez Sarsfield.

In the first leg, an Adrián Martínez goal secured a 1–0 victory away from home. The second leg was a tighter contest, but Santiago Solari struck in the 82nd minute to seal a 2–0 aggregate win, sending Racing into the semi-finals.

Since advancing to the semi-finals, Racing’s domestic form has been somewhat patchy. They have won twice, drawn twice and lost once. One of those setbacks included a 1–0 defeat to River Plate, which resulted in their exit from the Copa Argentina. However, they come into this clash on the back of a 1–0 victory over Aldosivi.

Importantly, Racing have already proven they can handle Brazilian opposition, having eliminated clubs from Brazil in both the Recopa and Libertadores this season, as well as last season when they convincingly defeated Cruzeiro in the Sudamericana. Their familiarity with Brazilian sides gives them confidence, and they will come into this tie confident that Flamengo will be the next Brazilian club to fall at their hands.