In a disappointing start to their Copa Libertadores 2025 campaign, Fortaleza faced a tough defeat against Racing Club of Argentina, losing 3-0 during their opening match held at the Arena Castelão in Fortaleza on April 1, 2025. The goals came from Salas, Almendra, and Sosa, marking a strong performance from the Argentine side.
The match kicked off at 21h30 (Brasília time) and was broadcast exclusively on the Paramount+ streaming platform. This encounter was significant as it marked the beginning of the group stage for both teams, with Fortaleza looking to make a mark in their third appearance in the prestigious tournament.
Fortaleza secured their spot in the Libertadores by finishing fourth in the previous year's Campeonato Brasileiro, amassing a total of 68 points. They entered the match with high hopes, bolstered by a solid domestic season and the support of their passionate fans. Under the guidance of coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, the team aimed to transform their home ground into a fortress.
On the other hand, Racing Club arrived with an impressive pedigree, having won the Copa Sul-Americana in 2024 and the Recopa Sul-Americana earlier in 2025, defeating Botafogo in both competitions. With a rich history in the Libertadores, including their title victory in 1967, Racing was poised to assert their dominance from the start.
The first half of the match saw Racing applying early pressure. Just two minutes into the game, Martínez had a great opportunity, but Fortaleza's goalkeeper João Ricardo made a crucial save, with Kuscevic clearing the ball off the line. Fortaleza attempted to respond, with Lucas Sasha coming close to scoring after a defensive error from Racing.
However, it was Racing who struck first. In the 24th minute, after a poorly cleared corner kick, Salas found the back of the net, putting Racing ahead 1-0. This goal seemed to deflate the home side, who struggled to regain their composure. Despite a few attempts to equalize, including a near miss from Sasha, Fortaleza went into halftime trailing.
The second half began with Racing continuing their offensive onslaught. Just two minutes after the restart, Almendra doubled the lead for Racing, scoring after a flurry of attempts that finally broke through Fortaleza's defense. With the scoreline at 2-0, Fortaleza pushed forward in search of a goal, but their efforts were thwarted by a resolute Racing defense.
As the match progressed, Racing maintained their attacking momentum. In the 38th minute, Sosa headed in the third goal from another set piece, sealing the game at 3-0. Despite the score, João Ricardo made several impressive saves to prevent further damage, showcasing his talent and determination.
With this loss, Fortaleza finds themselves at the bottom of Group E, while Racing takes the top spot. In the other match of the group, Atlético Bucaramanga managed a thrilling 3-3 draw against Colo-Colo, setting the stage for an exciting group stage ahead.
Fortaleza's next challenge will be against Colo-Colo on April 10, 2025, in the Andes, where they will look to bounce back from this defeat. Meanwhile, Racing will face Atlético Bucaramanga on the same day, eager to maintain their winning streak.
This match not only highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs but also emphasized the competitive nature of the Copa Libertadores. Fortaleza's aspirations of making a significant impact in this year's tournament will require a quick turnaround and a reassessment of their strategies, especially as they prepare for their next fixture.
As the Libertadores progresses, fans will be keen to see if Fortaleza can regroup and prove their mettle on the continental stage, while Racing aims to continue their impressive form and chase another title.
