Racing Club is set to take on Botafogo this Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Estadio Presidente Perón for the first leg of the 2025 Conmebol Recopa Sudamericana. This match promises to be historic as it marks the first meeting between these two teams, who are celebrating significant achievements on the continental stage.
On one side, Racing Club made headlines last year by clinching the 2024 Copa Sudamericana, marking their first international trophy since winning the Supercopa Libertadores back in 1988. Under the leadership of head coach Gustavo Costas, the team has shown resilience and determination, but they face challenges as they head onto the field this time.
Despite their previous successes, Racing Club is entering this match on shaky ground, having lost two consecutive matches and only securing three points out of their last four league games. Coach Costas commented on their current form, saying, "It would be a dream to win another international cup... It's painful to lose, because we wanted to win and we wanted to do well." This determination is something fans will look for as the team aims to find their rhythm.
Racing’s squad has seen significant changes since their last campaign, with key players such as Juan Fernando Quintero and Roger Martínez departing. Still, they have bolstered their roster with new talent, including Matías Zaracho from Atlético Mineiro and Adrián Balboa from Unión de Santa Fe. The current lineup is expected to feature Gabriel Arias, Marco Di Cesare, and Luciano Vietto among others, as they prepare to face the formidable opponents.
Botafogo enters the Recopa Sudamericana with confidence after securing their first Copa Libertadores title, overcoming Atlético Mineiro 3-1. This victory added to their previous success when they clinched the Brasileirão Série A title for the 2023 season. Managed by interim coach Cláudio Caçapa, who took over from Arthur Jorge, Botafogo is also facing its own set of challenges with injuries to notable players such as Vitinho.
Coach Caçapa shared his thoughts on the upcoming match, stating, "Today the team, with many young players, performed well... our next game is the long-awaited final, and it is an honor to be part of this historic match." This sense of honor and responsibility resonates within the Botafogo camp as they prepare for what could be another defining moment for the club.
Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT), and fans across the United States can catch all the action live on platforms including Fubo, Fanatiz, and beIN SPORTS. With this matchup being so pivotal, expectations are high as each team aims to gain the upper hand for the title, performing at their best on this grand stage.
The atmosphere at Estadio Presidente Perón, affectionately known as El Cilindro, is sure to be electric. Racing Club fans are known for their passionate support, hoping to turn their team's recent fortunes around against Botafogo, who are riding high on their recent success.
Looking back at their paths to the Recopa, Racing Club defeated Cruzeiro 3-1 to win the Copa Sudamericana, which ended over three decades without silverware, whereas Botafogo's Libertadores run displayed remarkable resilience after they bounced back from difficult group-stage losses. With both clubs eyeing not just victory, but also the chance to cement their place in history, this match holds great significance.
Both teams boast talent and determination, and fans can expect nothing short of intensity and excitement from this historic encounter. Given the stakes — pride, glory, and the chance to lift the coveted trophy — every moment will be one to savor as Racing Club and Botafogo vie for continental supremacy.