flamengo time comemorando – Foto: @flamengo
Flamengo and Racing Club clash this Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinal at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The match kicks off at 9:30 PM Brasília time, pitting the Brazilian team, current leader of the Brazilian Championship, against the Argentine side, 2024 Copa Sudamericana champions. Organized by Conmebol, the tournament offers a spot in the Club World Cup, with Flamengo eyeing its fourth final since 2019.
Coach Filipe Luís, leading Flamengo since July after Tite’s departure, emphasizes a solid home defense. Gustavo Costas, in his third stint with Racing, relies on swift counterattacks. Both teams advanced from the quarterfinals by defeating rivals: Flamengo overcame Estudiantes 3-1 on aggregate, while Racing beat Vélez Sarsfield 2-0 overall.
- Flamengo remains unbeaten at home in the 2025 Libertadores, averaging 2.5 goals per game;
- Racing secured six wins in their last ten continental matches;
- Pedro leads Flamengo’s attack with eight goals in the competition;
- Adrián Martínez, from Racing, has nine goals this season.
Tactical strategies at Maracanã
Filipe Luís opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation for Flamengo, focusing on quick midfield transitions. Agostinho Rossi returns in goal after a domestic suspension, with Léo Pereira and Danilo forming the experienced defensive duo. Pedro anchors the attack, supported by Arrascaeta and Lino on the wings.
Racing, under Costas, employs a 3-4-2-1 to balance defense and creativity. Federico Cambeses guards the goal, with Nicolás Colombo and Marcos Rojo in the back three. Juan Nardoni and Agustín Almendra anchor the midfield, while Adrián Martínez exploits long balls up front.
Injuries and squad adjustments
Flamengo’s left-back Ayrton Lucas is recovering from a muscle injury and may be rested by Filipe Luís. Other players, including Léo Ortiz, are available after intensive recovery from recent issues.
Racing’s Juan Fernando Quintero is undergoing fitness tests due to a knee concern, which could alter their midfield setup. The Argentine side focuses on defensive solidity, conceding just two goals in their last five matches.
These adjustments aim to maintain balance in a match expected to be tight, with Flamengo averaging 58% possession against Racing’s 42%.
Balanced head-to-head history
Flamengo and Racing meet for the seventh time in official competitions, with evenly matched records. Each team has one win and four draws in six prior Libertadores and Supercopa encounters, scoring eight goals apiece.
Their last meeting in 2023 ended 1-1 in Argentina, following a 2-1 Flamengo win at Maracanã. In 2020, Racing eliminated Flamengo on penalties in the round of 16 despite 1-1 draws in both legs.
These games highlight tactical parity, averaging 2.3 goals per match. Racing has never beaten a Brazilian team in Rio in the Libertadores, though they recently eliminated Cruzeiro in the Sudamericana. Flamengo remains unbeaten in knockout semifinals since 2022.
Recent performance in numbers
Flamengo arrives buoyed by Brazilian Championship results, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five games, scoring ten goals and conceding five. A 3-2 win over Palmeiras last weekend boosted confidence under Filipe Luís.
- 10/15: Flamengo 3-2 Palmeiras (Brazilian Championship);
- 10/12: Botafogo 1-2 Flamengo (Brazilian Championship);
- 10/08: Flamengo 2-0 Estudiantes (Libertadores, quarterfinals);
- 10/05: São Paulo 1-1 Flamengo (Brazilian Championship);
- 10/02: Estudiantes 0-1 Flamengo (Libertadores, quarterfinals).
Racing maintains a seven-game unbeaten streak across competitions, with four wins and one draw in their last five, scoring nine goals and conceding two.
Live broadcast options
Globo broadcasts the match on free-to-air TV across Brazil at 9:30 PM. Paramount+ offers streaming with real-time analysis and multiple camera angles.
Digital platforms include GE.globo on YouTube, free for subscribers, and Conmebol’s app with live updates and stats. Internationally, ESPN covers Latin America, and beIN SPORTS broadcasts in the United States.
Tickets sold out on Flamengo’s official website, priced from R$100 to R$500, prioritizing club members. Popular sections sold out in hours, generating over R$10 million in revenue for the club.
Match conditions
Rio’s weather is stable, with a high of 26°C, clear skies, and light winds, per Alerta Rio. Humidity at 70% won’t affect Maracanã’s pitch, hosting about 70,000 fans.
Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela officiates, supported by compatriots. With experience in Club World Cup matches, he has officiated 15 continental games this year, averaging 4.2 cards per match and precise VAR use.
Pedro, with eight Libertadores goals, and Arrascaeta, with five assists, lead Flamengo. Racing’s Adrián Martínez has nine goals, and Rojas creates chances on the flank, with a collective average of 12 shots per game.
