As the Copa Sul-Americana 2025 heats up, several Brazilian teams are set to take the field this week, with critical matches taking place that could shape the trajectory of their campaigns. On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Atlético Mineiro, Fluminense, and Vitória will be battling it out in their respective matches, aiming for crucial points in the group stages.
In one of the standout fixtures, Atlético Mineiro will face off against Caracas in Venezuela at the Estádio Olímpico de la UCV at 21:30 (Brasília time). After a rocky start to their domestic season, Atlético looks to regain momentum in the continental tournament. The team arrives in Venezuela with a solid record in the Sul-Americana, having secured one win and one draw in their first two matches. Coach Cuca will be looking to field a strong side, with Everson in goal and a defensive lineup that includes Natanael, Lyanco, Junior Alonso, and Caio Paulista. The midfield will be anchored by Fausto Vera, Gabriel Menino, and Rubens, while the attacking trio will feature Cuello, Rony, and Saravia.
Meanwhile, Caracas comes into this match following a disappointing 4-1 loss to Monagas in the Venezuelan Championship, leaving them in 11th place in the league. The team has managed to earn one victory and one draw in the Sul-Americana, making this match a crucial encounter as they vie for the top spot in Group H. Coach Fernando Aristeguieta will have to navigate the absence of Michael Covea, who is suspended after receiving a red card in their last match. The Venezuelan side will look to Frankarlos Benítez in goal, supported by a defensive line that includes Edgardo Rito and Luis Mago.
In another exciting matchup, Fluminense will be taking on Unión Española in Chile, also on April 23, at 19:00 (Brasília time) at the Estádio Municipal de La Florida. Fluminense currently leads Group F with a perfect record of six points from two matches, having recently defeated Once Caldas 1-0 and thrashed GV San José 5-0. However, the team will be fielding a rotated squad, as head coach Renato Gaúcho has opted to rest key players in preparation for a crucial domestic clash against Botafogo this Saturday. Assistant coach Alexandre Mendes will be at the helm for this match.
Unión Española, on the other hand, is still searching for their first victory in the tournament, having only managed to secure one point so far. The Chilean side has struggled, with recent results including a draw against GV San José and a loss to Once Caldas. They will be hoping to capitalize on their home advantage and turn their fortunes around against a depleted Fluminense side. The probable lineup for Unión Española includes Franco Torgnascioli in goal and a mix of experienced and young players in the squad.
Lastly, Vitória will host Cerro Largo in Salvador at the Estádio Manoel Barradas (Barradão) at 21:30 (Brasília time) on the same day. This match is another critical fixture in the Copa Sul-Americana, with both teams eager to secure points to enhance their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages. Vitória has been preparing diligently, knowing that a strong performance at home could be pivotal.
With 56 teams competing for 16 spots in the knockout phase, every match in the group stage is essential. Brazil and Argentina dominate the tournament, each contributing six teams, with clubs like Cruzeiro, Vasco, and Atlético-MG among the representatives. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect thrilling football, intense rivalries, and the potential for upsets as teams vie for glory in South America.
As the matches unfold, fans can catch all the action live on various platforms, including ESPN and streaming services like Paramount+. With the stakes high and teams eager to prove themselves, this week promises to deliver some unforgettable moments in the Copa Sul-Americana 2025.
