The decisive phase, known as the knockout stage, of the Conmebol Libertadores 2025 is set. And Betfair analyzes the clashes of the biggest club competition in Latin America with commentary from star Rivaldo, brand ambassador and five-time world champion.
Asked by Betfair about who will have the most work at this stage of the competition, Rivaldo stated that all games can be complicated, but highlighted one match in particular.
“Fortaleza will have a lot of difficulty qualifying, but everything is theoretical, football is played. So sometimes we see that the other team may even be considered stronger and have more experience in the competition, but football is decided on the field and Fortaleza has to face this challenge.”
“Although the situation of the Ceará team is not good, they have just lost 5-0 and are out of the Copa do Brasil, there is nothing better than taking out a strong opponent to recover, so it is time for the players to unite and try to change Fortaleza’s situation.”
Rivaldo also pointed out in an interview with Betfair which team theoretically has the easiest path in this phase. “I think it is Palmeiras that, in theory, has the easiest path. Of course, all teams have merit when they qualify, but Verdão is doing well this year, even coming off losses in the Brazilian Championship, which is normal.”
“But in the Libertadores they are doing very well, with six wins, they qualified very well, with plenty of room and it is another competition, in which they know how to play very well. So I believe that facing a team from Peru, they have a good chance of qualifying easily.”
The first leg of the tournament is scheduled for the week of August 13, with the return legs taking place the following week, starting on August 20. South America’s most prestigious competition is also one of the most valuable, with each team that qualifies for the quarterfinals guaranteed US$1.25 million in prize money.
Flamengo vs Internacional: heavyweight clash between champions
Two Libertadores champions face off in one of the most evenly-balanced rounds of the competition. Flamengo, champions in 1981, 2019 and 2022, have a star-studded squad but are under pressure due to their fluctuations in the first phase of the tournament, where they qualified in second place.
Inter, who lifted the trophy in 2006 and 2010, came first in the competition’s “group of death.” However, the team from Rio de Janeiro is the favorite. See below what five-time champion Rivaldo has to say about the match between Inter and Fla.
“Flamengo and Inter will play two great matches. While Flamengo is enjoying a great phase in the Brazilian Championship, Internacional played very well in the first phase of the Libertadores. And since these are two teams that face each other every year and it’s always a great match, I can’t see a favorite. But it’s one of those games that could be an early Libertadores final,” says Rivaldo.
Atlético Nacional x Sao Paulo: Tricolor revenge?
A reunion with a chance for revenge for the Tricolor do Morumbi. In 2016, São Paulo and Atlético Nacional decided a memorable semifinal, with a Colombian victory both in the capital of São Paulo and in Medellín.
Now the teams will face each other again in a knockout round of the continental competition. The two-time Libertadores champion is having a very good campaign at home, winning all of its games, while São Paulo has won all of its away matches. Thus, the Brazilian team appears to be a strong candidate to advance.
Universitario x Palmeiras: favoritism of the only 100% Libertadores team
Palmeiras faces Universitario as the favorites. With recent titles and a team that has lost few games during the season, Verdão has a 100% record in the Libertadores and faces the team with less tradition in the competition. The big problem for the Pompéia team is the trip to the city of Lima, in Peru.
“Palmeiras needs to play these matches seriously. I always say that this favoritism is theoretical and you can be sure that the coach and players have learned lessons in football from when favoritism on paper did not show on the field.
The team needs to play well at home and away and show that it wants to go as far as possible and fight for another final and another title. And I think Palmeiras showed this seriousness in the first phase, guaranteeing early qualification and even so, maintaining the intensity in all the games.
The team understood how to play in the Libertadores and the team will certainly do its job and beat the opponent,” warned the five-time champion.
LDU x Botafogo: danger with the “terror of Brazilians”
LDU has a history of eliminating Brazilians in Latin America’s biggest competition, and Quito’s altitude is always a factor to consider. Botafogo, on the other hand, is still trying to establish itself in the 2025 competitions after a year of glory, winning the Brasileirão and the Libertadores in 2024. Even so, the current champion of the Americas is the most likely to advance.
Other clashes
- Fortaleza x Vélez Sarsfield – Leão wants to make history against the traditional Argentine club, which appears as the favorite in the duel.
- Libertad vs River Plate – River is the favorite, but Paraguayan teams are always dangerous and surprising. The Argentines have a strong chance of securing a place in the quarterfinals.
- Cerro Porteño vs Estudiantes – Balanced game, with tradition in the tournament on both sides. But, Estudiantes appears in front.
- Peñarol x Racing – Duel between heavyweights that have already won the competition, however, Racing is more likely to win the clashes.
Rivaldo highlights foreign teams in the Libertadores
Asked by Betfair about the opponents from other South American countries that have qualified for the round of 16, Rivaldo comments that one game will be decisive in showing who will be Brazil’s main opponent in the next stages.
“Estudiantes and Cerro Porteño will be one of those games that I always watch and say will be very difficult. They are two very traditional teams that always improve in the Libertadores. I think Estudiantes is ahead, but I expect a very balanced match,” concluded Rivaldo.
