In a highly anticipated clash, Deportivo Táchira will face Flamengo in the opening match of the 2025 Conmebol Copa Libertadores on Thursday, April 3, at 21:30 (Brasília time). The match will take place at the Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo in San Cristóbal, Venezuela, marking the beginning of Group C for both teams.
Deportivo Táchira, the Venezuelan champions, qualified for this prestigious tournament after an impressive run last season. They currently sit among the leaders in the Venezuelan league, sharing the top position with three other teams, each having accumulated 18 points from nine matches. Their latest performance saw them secure a 3-2 victory against Estudiantes de Mérida, further boosting their confidence ahead of the Libertadores debut.
On the other hand, Flamengo comes into this match with a wealth of experience and a strong record in the tournament. The Brazilian giants, who have previously won the Libertadores three times, are aiming to become the first Brazilian team to clinch the title four times. Under the guidance of coach Filipe Luís, Flamengo has been in formidable form, recently winning the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Carioca. However, they face a tough challenge as they will be missing several key players due to injuries, including Arrascaeta, Danilo, Viña, Gerson, Pedro, Plata, and Wesley.
Despite these absences, Flamengo boasts a solid track record in Venezuela, having never lost in their previous ten encounters against Venezuelan teams in the Libertadores. This includes two historic victories over Deportivo Táchira in the 1991 round of 16, where they won 3-2 away and 5-0 at home. The Brazilian side will look to maintain this impressive streak as they step onto the pitch.
The probable lineup for Deportivo Táchira features Jesús Camargo in goal, with a defense including Rosales, Vivas, Maidana, and Yanniel Hernández. The midfield will see Carlos Sosa, Maurice Cova, and Fioravanti, while the attack will be led by Balza, Lucas Cano, and Bryan Castillo. Coach Edgar Pérez Greco is optimistic about his team's chances, stating, "We understand the type of opponent we are going to face, and we hope for the advantage of playing at home and in front of our fans." He aims to instill a fighting spirit in his players, emphasizing the importance of making a strong impression.
Flamengo's expected lineup includes Rossi in goal, with Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro forming the defense. The midfield is likely to feature Pulgar and De la Cruz, with Luiz Araújo, Michael, Bruno Henrique, and Juninho leading the attack. Coach Filipe Luís has expressed confidence in his squad, despite the injuries, and is focused on starting the tournament on a high note.
Historically, Flamengo's performance in opening matches of the Libertadores has been mixed, with only seven wins in their last 20 opening games. However, they are determined to break this trend and secure a victory against Táchira. The match is expected to draw significant attention, with fans eager to see how both teams perform under pressure.
As the excitement builds, the atmosphere in San Cristóbal is sure to be electric, with Deportivo Táchira fans eager to support their team against a formidable opponent. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN and available for streaming on Disney+ and Bet365.
In summary, this clash represents not just a battle for points in the Libertadores, but also a chance for both teams to showcase their strengths and ambitions on a continental stage. With Flamengo's solid history and Táchira's determination, fans can expect an enthralling encounter as the tournament kicks off.
