Flamengo vs Racing (Copa Libertadores): odds and picks 23.10.2025

The first leg of the 2025 Copa Libertadores semi-final between Flamengo and Racing Club promises to be one of the most exciting clashes of the tournament. Flamengo, favourites due to their squad, stadium and experience, welcome a Racing side that arrives with a low profile but with enough footballing arguments to put up a fight.

The venue will be the legendary Maracanã, where the Cariocas will try to get the series off to a good start from the first match.

How they got here

• Flamengo beat Estudiantes de La Plata in the quarter-finals after a 2-2 aggregate draw, winning on penalties with composure and experience. They showed mental strength and the ability to compete under pressure.
• Racing eliminated Vélez Sarsfield with two 1-0 victories, a clear demonstration of tactical discipline, defensive solidity and effectiveness at key moments.
• Both teams are undefeated in head-to-head matches and have shown different styles: Flamengo dominates and seeks goals; Racing resists, waits and punishes with quick transitions.

Key facts and patterns

• Flamengo has won all its home games in this edition of the tournament.
• Racing has not conceded a goal in its last three Libertadores matches.
• The last four head-to-head matches between the two have been close games, with draws or narrow victories. The average number of goals scored per game is less than25.
• In Brazil, Flamengo has not lost to Racing
• Racing has won its two knockout ties in this edition by an aggregate score of 2-0, without conceding any goals and taking advantage of its few chances.
• Flamengo, on the other hand, is the most prolific attacking team among the semi-finalists, with an average of9 goals per game.

Key players

Flamengo

• Giorgian De Arrascaeta: The team’s playmaker. He is involved in almost every dangerous move. He has double figures in both goals and assists this season.
• Pedro: Leading striker. Lethal inside the box. He has the scoring instinct needed to break open tight games like this one.

Racing

• Santiago Solari: He was key with his goal against Vélez. He brings imbalance in transitions and can break lines with his dribbling.
• Gabriel Arias: The Chilean goalkeeper is a key player. He has saved the team at crucial moments and is in excellent form.

Tactical keys to the match

• Flamengo will try to impose their rhythm from the start. They have quality and offensive options. They know how to break down tight defences.
• Racing will wait in a mid-low block, looking for mistakes and quick breaks. Their defence is solid, and Arias is a guarantee.
• The emotional factor also weighs heavily: Flamengo arrives with the pressure to win, Racing with the peace of mind of not being the favourite.

Aspirations

• Flamengo is looking to return to the Copa Libertadores final for the first time since 2022. They have the squad, the experience and the pressure to lift the title again. Anything less than winning the championship would be considered a failure.
• Racing comes in as the underdog, but with its hopes intact. They know that a good result at the Maracanã could make the Brazilian giant nervous. Reaching the final would be a historic achievement.

My prediction for Flamengo vs Racing

My prediction for the result? I see a Flamengo 2 – 0 Racing.