On the night of April 2, 2025, Vélez Sarsfield will host Peñarol in an exciting clash valid for Group H of the Copa Libertadores. Scheduled to kick off at 19:00 (Brasília time) at the Estádio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two traditional South American football teams.
Vélez Sarsfield, the current Argentine champion, is looking to reaffirm its strength on the continental stage under the leadership of coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who recently replaced Sebastián Domínguez. The Argentine side has a rich history in the Libertadores, having won the title in 1994. However, they are currently struggling in the Argentine Championship, sitting in 13th place in Group B, following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Deportivo Riestra.
On the other hand, Peñarol, one of Uruguay's most storied clubs, aims to start the Libertadores campaign on a positive note away from home. The Uruguayan club boasts five Libertadores titles but is also experiencing a rough patch, having recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cerro Largo in the Uruguayan Championship. With only two wins in nine matches this season, Peñarol's defense has been particularly vulnerable, conceding goals in eight of those games.
The probable lineup for Vélez Sarsfield includes goalkeeper Tomás Marchiori, defenders Elias Gómez, Valentín Gómez, Emanuel Mammana, and Jano Gordon, midfielders Claudio Baeza, Agustín Bouzat, and Francisco Pizzini, along with forwards Álvaro Montoro, Maher Carrizo, and Braian Romero. Coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto will look to these players to capitalize on their home advantage.
Peñarol's expected lineup features Guillermo de Amores in goal, with defenders Camilo Mayada, Javier Méndez, Juanma Rodríguez, and Lucas Hernández. The midfield will consist of Rodrigo Pérez and Leandro Umpierrez, while the attacking trio will include Javier Cabrera, David Terans, and Diego García, all managed by coach Diego Aguirre.
This matchup not only marks the first round of the group stage but also highlights the intense rivalry between Argentine and Uruguayan clubs in the Libertadores. Historically, Vélez Sarsfield has had the upper hand in their encounters, winning four out of eight matches, with Peñarol managing two victories and two draws. When playing at home, Vélez has won three and drawn one against Peñarol, while the Uruguayan side has performed better on their turf.
The last meeting between these two teams ended in a 1-1 draw, with Cristián Rodríguez scoring for Peñarol and Thiago Almada netting for Vélez, both from the penalty spot. As they prepare for this highly anticipated clash, both teams are eager to secure vital points in the group stage.
Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN 4 and Disney+, ensuring they won't miss a moment of this crucial Libertadores match. The match will be officiated by Chilean referee Roberto Tobar, assisted by compatriots Christian Schiemann and Claudio Ríos.
With both teams seeking to make a statement in the tournament, the atmosphere at the Estádio José Amalfitani is expected to be electric. Vélez Sarsfield will be counting on the support of their home crowd, while Peñarol aims to surprise their hosts and secure a crucial away victory.
As the match approaches, the excitement continues to build, with fans and analysts alike speculating on the outcome. Will Vélez Sarsfield capitalize on their home advantage, or will Peñarol find a way to turn their fortunes around in this prestigious competition? The stage is set for an unforgettable night of football.
