Racing Club and Botafogo will meet on February 20, 2025, at the Estadio Presidente Perón for the first leg of the CONMEBOL Recopa Sudamericana. This competition pits the champions of the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores against each other, promising intense football action for fans.
The match is set to begin at 21:30 local time, broadcast live on ESPN. The event will be officiated by Chilean referee Felipe González, supported by fellow compatriot Rodrigo Carvajal as the VAR.
Racing Club, under the guidance of coach Gustavo Costas, are eager to return to winning ways following two consecutive losses in the local Torneo Apertura 2025. They recently fell 1-0 to Tigre and lost 3-2 against Argentinos Juniors. The team is hoping to regain momentum, especially after suffering significant setbacks without key players Santiago Sosa and Agustín García Basso due to injuries. On the bright side, Racing has welcomed back their top scorer, Adrián Martínez, for this clash.
Conversely, Botafogo, who triumphed over Atlético Mineiro to win the Copa Libertadores last year, faces challenges as they have lost several key players from their roster. The current situation has seen them drop points, as evidenced by their recent defeats, including one against Flamengo for the Supercopa de Brasil and drawing against Boavista. Claudio Caçapa leads the team as interim coach, intensifying the pressure on the squad.
Before kick-off, excitement buzzed around El Cilindro, with Racing supporters filling the stadium, some arriving hours early to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere. The phrase "Today we all play together again" was shared on Racing's official social media, reflecting the team's hope for victory.
Racing's starting lineup includes Gabriel Arias, Marco Di Cesare, Nazareno Colombo, Santiago Quirós, Gastón Martirena, Juan Nardoni, Bruno Zuculini, Gabriel Rojas, along with forwards Luciano Vietto, Adrián Martínez, and Maximiliano Salas. Notably, Marcos Di Cesare, and Gabriel Rojas will play pivotal roles on both sides.
For Botafogo, the expected starters are John; Vitinho, Danilo Barbosa, Alexander Barboza, and Alex Telles; with Allan and Marlon Freitas anchoring midfield, supported by forwards Newton, Savarino, Matheus Martins, and Igor Jesus.
The last meetings between these teams reflected competitive dynamics, with Racing slightly favored based on recent form and home advantage. Betting odds suggest Racing holds around 46.5% probability of winning this match, whereas Botafogo is listed with approximately 29.4% chance. Most observers seem to favor Racing’s performance on home soil but recognize the unpredictability of knockout football.
Both teams' recent performances add weight to the rivalry, with Racing boasting adequate form from prior international matches. The stakes couldn't be higher as each side works to establish supremacy.
Supporters of Racing Club and Botafogo are eagerly anticipating the matchup, which promises not only to be intensely fought but also pivotal for the future of both clubs. Regardless of the outcome, the match will be significant for both clubs moving forward.
The Recopa Sudamericana is not just about prestige; it’s also about the bragging rights and the opportunity to start the year with silverware, setting the tone for the rest of the season. Fans and players alike know the historical importance of such encounters.
The return leg is scheduled for the following Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Estadio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro, where Botafogo will host the rematch. Whichever team can take the advantage now will have the closing leg on their home turf, which can play a pivotal role as they vie for continental glory.