Racing Club and Botafogo Clash in 2025 Recopa Sudamericana Finals

AVELLANEDA, Argentina — Racing Club will host Botafogo on February 20, 2025, in the first leg of the 2025 Recopa Sudamericana, a matchup that unites South America’s continental champions. The prestigious final is set for 7:30 PM ET at Estadio Presidente Perón, known as “El Cilindro.” The two clubs are vying for their first-ever Recopa title, having missed out in previous attempts.

Racing Club enters the final after a decisive 3-1 victory over Cruzeiro in the Copa Sudamericana 2024 final in Asunción. Their game against Botafogo is essential, particularly after losing 3-2 to Argentinos Juniors in their recent domestic league match. Currently, Racing holds seventh place in the Apertura Tournament with just 9 points, having won three and lost three of their initial six matches. Coach Gustavo Costas‘s team seeks to overcome recent inconsistencies and assert their dominance at home.

On the other side, Botafogo, fresh off their first-ever Copa Libertadores title, faces challenges of their own as they prepare for this high-stakes encounter. The Brazilian side’s recent form in the Carioca Tournament saw them secure one win, endure two losses, and achieve a 1-1 draw against Boavista, leaving them in sixth place with 13 points. The team recently transitioned to a new coach, Cláudio Caçapa, following the departure of Artur Jorge. Caçapa, who enjoyed success in 2023, aims to continue this momentum despite the absence of key players Thiago Almada and Luiz Henrique.

This year’s Recopa marks a significant opportunity for both teams to etch their names in the annals of South American football history. Botafogo’s earlier attempts saw them lose in the Recopa Sudamericana finals in 1994 against São Paulo, and they hope to redeem that history with a strong showing. Meanwhile, Racing Club, having secured their first continental trophy since 1988, is eager to build on their success but needs to address their domestic struggles.

Expectations are high as both teams prepare to battle it out in the first leg. Racing, despite a rocky start in their domestic league, aims to leverage their home advantage, while Botafogo, celebrating last year’s remarkable double with the Brasileirão Série A title and the Copa Libertadores, will work to solidify their status among elite clubs in South America. The second leg will occur on February 27 at Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro, where Botafogo will strive to conclude the series triumphantly at home.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation builds for the thrilling clash between Racing Club and Botafogo, both determined to enhance their legacies on this prominent stage.