Updated March 25, 2025
The 2025 Copa Libertadores is poised to launch its group stage with Matchday 1 on April 1-3, igniting the 66th edition of South America’s most prestigious club competition. As 32 teams across eight groups gear up for battle, the anticipation is electric for what promises to be a captivating season. With defending champions Botafogo aiming to defend their title and a host of challengers eager to seize the crown, Matchday 1 will provide an early peek into the drama and excitement ahead. Here’s a look forward to the opening round of group stage fixtures, as of today, March 25, 2025.
The Format and Stakes
For those new to the tournament, the Copa Libertadores group stage features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. Each team will play a home-and-away round-robin schedule, with the top two from each group advancing to the round of 16, and third-placed teams dropping into the Copa Sudamericana knockout play-offs. Points follow the standard system—3 for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss—with tiebreakers like goal difference, goals scored, and away goals deciding tight races. From the opening kickoff, every match carries weight in this fiercely contested phase.
Matchday 1, scheduled for April 1-3, 2025, marks the start of this journey, with the grand final set for November 29, 2025. These opening fixtures will set the tone for the months ahead.
Matchday 1
As of March 25, 2025, the full slate of Matchday 1 fixtures has been confirmed by CONMEBOL. Below is the complete list of games to watch, featuring all 16 clashes across the eight groups. While specific group assignments and times are subject to final scheduling, these are the matchups set to kick off the 2025 campaign:
- Botafogo vs. Universidad de Chile (April 1)
The defending champions begin their title defense at home against a resilient Chilean side looking to make an early statement. - Cerro Porteño vs. Bolívar (April 2)
Paraguayan giants host Bolivian high-altitude specialists in a clash that could shape their group’s early standings. - Fortaleza vs. Racing Club (April 2)
Brazilian flair meets Argentine grit as Fortaleza aim to leverage their home advantage against a seasoned Racing side. - Atlético Nacional vs. Colo-Colo (April 1)
Colombian powerhouse Atlético Nacional face Chilean giants Colo-Colo in a matchup of two storied clubs. - Palmeiras vs. The Strongest (April 2)
Brazilian juggernauts Palmeiras take on Bolivia’s The Strongest, who will look to defy the odds away from home. - Independiente del Valle vs. Boca Juniors (April 2)
Ecuador’s rising stars host Argentine legends Boca Juniors in what could be a defining early test. - Peñarol vs. Junior FC (April 1)
Uruguayan titans Peñarol welcome Colombian side Junior FC in a battle of regional heavyweights. - San Lorenzo vs. Grêmio (April 2)
Argentina’s San Lorenzo face Brazilian outfit Grêmio, promising a tactical showdown between two competitive sides. - Universitario de Deportes vs. River Plate (April 3)
Peruvian underdogs Universitario host Argentine giants River Plate in a classic David vs. Goliath encounter. - Talleres Córdoba vs. São Paulo (April 3)
Argentina’s Talleres take on Brazilian powerhouse São Paulo in a fixture blending ambition and experience. - Deportivo Táchira vs. Flamengo (April 3)
Venezuelan side Deportivo Táchira face a daunting challenge as they welcome Brazilian stars Flamengo. - Alianza Lima vs. Internacional (April 2)
Peru’s Alianza Lima host Brazil’s Internacional, with the visitors aiming to assert dominance early. - Cobresal vs. Atlético Mineiro (April 1)
Chilean minnows Cobresal take on Brazilian contenders Atlético Mineiro in a matchup ripe for an upset. - Barcelona SC vs. Fluminense (April 2)
Ecuador’s Barcelona SC face Brazilian side Fluminense, pitting two attacking teams against each other. - Huachipato vs. Nacional (April 3)
Chile’s Huachipato host Uruguayan giants Nacional in a game that could hinge on home resilience. - Millonarios vs. LDU Quito (April 1)
Colombia’s Millonarios welcome Ecuador’s LDU Quito, setting up an intriguing clash of styles.
What to Expect
With Matchday 1 just around the corner, the Copa Libertadores’ trademark unpredictability will be on full display. Botafogo will look to kick off their title defense with a win, while traditional powerhouses like Palmeiras, Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Flamengo aim to flex their muscles. Yet, the beauty of this tournament lies in its surprises—teams like The Strongest, Independiente del Valle, or even Cobresal could spring an upset, fueled by passionate home crowds and the chaotic energy of South American football.
What’s at Stake?
Though it’s only the beginning of the group stage, Matchday 1 often sets the tone. A strong start can build momentum, while an early slip could put pressure on even the biggest names. With six matches per team ahead, there’s time to recover, but no one wants to start on the back foot.
Fans can tune in via beIN SPORTS in the United States for English and Spanish coverage, or follow live updates on CONMEBOL’s official channels, Flashscore, and ESPN.
Matchday 2
The Copa Libertadores 2025 group stage is heating up, and Week 2, running April 8-10, promises another round of thrilling clashes. Here’s who’s playing:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- River Plate vs. Barcelona SC
- Botafogo vs. Universidad de Chile
- Flamengo vs. Deportivo Táchira
- São Paulo vs. Talleres Córdoba
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- Estudiantes L.P. vs. Carabobo
- Peñarol vs. Vélez Sarsfield
- Palmeiras vs. Sporting Cristal
- Nacional (Uruguay) vs. Internacional
Thursday, April 10, 2025
- Fortaleza vs. Racing Club
- Alianza Lima vs. Libertad Asunción
- Cerro Porteño vs. Bolívar
- Olimpia vs. San Antonio Bulo Bulo
These 16 matches—two per group—mark the second of six matchdays in the group stage, running through May 29. Stay tuned for kickoff times and results as the action unfolds!
