First Leg Matches of the 2025 Copa Libertadores Round of 16: Favorites, Tips, and Where to Watch!

The biggest football tournament in the Americas is back. This week, the first leg of the 2025 Copa Libertadores Round of 16 begins to determine the eight teams that will keep their dream of winning the Eternal Glory alive — with matches full of grit, passion, rivalry, and excitement for Sports Betting fans!

With a Brazilian clash, epic reunions, and a few surprises, the matches will be played between August 12 and 14. Check out everything you need to know before betting on each one!

Fortaleza vs Vélez Sarsfield

Kicking things off, we have two teams looking to shake off poor form in the Libertadores. Fortaleza and Vélez Sarsfield will play the first leg of the Round of 16 at Arena Castelão at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12.

The Leão do Pici are going through a turbulent season and are currently in the relegation zone of the Brazilian league, which cost coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda his job. Renato Paiva arrived to replace the Argentine and is trying to use the Libertadores to inspire the squad, but will have key absences.

Standout player in recent matches, Matheus Pereira may miss the game — but confirmed absences are goalkeepers João Ricardo and Brenno, left winger Moisés, and midfielders Tomás Pochettino.

El Fortín are also having an inconsistent season, sitting eighth in Group B of the Argentine league. Guillermo Schelotto’s team has gone three games without a win and will try to turn things around against the Brazilians.

To start the tie on the right foot, they will need to deal with two absences: midfielder Valentín Bouzat and playmaker Diego Valdés are out due to injury. Apart from that, the Argentinians will have a full-strength squad.

Predictions

Fortaleza are favorites to take the lead with odds of 2.37. A Vélez win is less likely at 3.2. In terms of qualifying, it’s balanced: the Argentinians lead slightly at 1.76 against 2.02 for the Brazilians.

Where to Watch

ESPN (Pay TV) and Disney+ (Streaming)

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Atlético Nacional vs São Paulo

Knockout stage rivals in 2015, Atlético Nacional and São Paulo meet again — this time in the Round of 16. The first leg will be played at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12.

Second in the Colombian league, Los Verdolagas are unbeaten in five games — three wins and two draws. Coach Javier Gandolfi used the 3-0 win over Alianza Fútbol Club to rotate the squad, prioritizing this Libertadores clash.

As a result, names like right winger Marino Hinestroza, forward Alfredo Melos, and midfielder Edwin Cardona were rested and should return to the starting XI on Tuesday. The Colombians will have a full-strength squad, with no injuries or suspensions.

After a rollercoaster start to the season, the Tricolor Paulista found their footing with the return of coach Hernán Crespo. Despite being eliminated by Athletico-PR in the Copa do Brasil, they are on a five-match winning streak in the Brazilian league.

However, not everything is positive at MorumBIS, as the injury list is long: defender Arboleda, left back Wendell, midfielder Luiz Gustavo, playmaker Oscar, forward Ryan Francisco, and striker Jonathan Calleri are all out. Midfielder Lucas Moura, though, has recovered from injury and may return to the starting lineup.

Predictions

Playing at home, Atlético Nacional are favorites to win with odds of 2.19. A draw is the second most likely result at 2.95, while São Paulo are at 3.8 to win. In terms of qualifying, however, the Brazilians have the advantage at 1.7, ahead of the Colombians at 2.15.

Where to Watch

Paramount (Pay TV and Streaming)

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Peñarol vs Racing

Two of South America’s most traditional clubs face off to avoid an early exit. Peñarol and Racing meet at Estadio Campeón del Siglo in Montevideo, aiming to get back in the fight for the continent’s biggest title. The first match will be played on Tuesday, August 12, at 9:30 p.m.

Leaders of the Uruguayan league, the Aurinegros come in with a five-match unbeaten streak. To make things even better, Diego Aguirre’s team won the first half of the season, defeating Atlético Nacional 5-3 on penalties.

For the first leg, Peñarol have only two absences: midfielder Eduardo Darias and right back Pedro Milans. Key players like striker Maximiliano Silvera and playmaker Leonardo Fernández are confirmed for the match.

Despite a strong group stage campaign, La Academia reach the Round of 16 amid inconsistent form. In their last five games, they have two wins, two draws, and one loss.

Coach Gustavo Costas will have only one absence for this continental clash: midfielder Matías Zaracho, out with injury. Confirmed starters include striker Adrián Martínez and defender Santiago Sosa.

Predictions

In better form, Peñarol are favorites to take the first-leg advantage with odds of 2.55, better than Racing’s 3.1. However, the Argentinians are seen as more likely to qualify, at 1.6 against the Uruguayans’ 2.34.

Where to Watch

Paramount (Streaming)

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Cerro Porteño vs Estudiantes

Marked by the balance between two teams that have never beaten each other, the clash between Cerro Porteño and Estudiantes promises to be exciting. Starting at the General Pablo Rojas Stadium in Asunción, the first leg will be at 7:00 PM on the 13th.

Leader of the Paraguayan Championship after seven rounds, El Ciclón comes into the match with an eight-game unbeaten streak — six wins and two draws. Coach Diego Martínez will have only three absences: defensive midfielder Piris da Motta, center-back Gustavo Velázquez, and left-back Guillermo Benítez.

On the other hand, El León comes from three consecutive wins and relieved some pressure after being eliminated from the Argentine Cup by Aldosivi on penalties. Having a good campaign in the Libertadores, Eduardo Domínguez’s team does not shy away from attacking away from home — but will miss defensive midfielders Gabriel Neves and Ezequiel Piovi, left winger Joaquín Tobio, and right-back Eric Meza.

Predictions

This might be the most balanced matchup, with a slight edge for Cerro Porteño at odds of 2.7 — compared to 2.85 for a draw and 2.95 for an Estudiantes win. However, the Argentines will decide the tie at home and are favorites to advance: they have qualification odds of 1.47, while the Paraguayans have 2.65.

Where to Watch

ESPN (Cable TV) and Disney+ (Streaming)

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Flamengo vs Internacional

This duel guarantees a Brazilian club in the Quarterfinals, though it remains to be seen which campaign will prevail: continental or domestic. Flamengo will host Internacional this Wednesday, the 13th, at 9:30 PM at Maracanã, in a match with heated backstage stories.

Leader of the Brazilian Championship, the Rubro-Negro was eliminated from the Copa do Brasil last week, but arrives confident with three wins, one draw, and just one loss in the last five games. Filipe Luís will be missing only center-back Danilo and defensive midfielder Erick Pulgar, both injured, as well as midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who is suspended.

Despite a good group stage campaign, the Colorado is trying to bounce back and end a five-game winless run, with three losses and two draws. Coach Roger Machado’s good news is the return of right-back Braian Aguirre and center-back Vitão — but he will have to cope with the absences of center-back Gabriel Mercado, right-back Bruno Gomes, left winger Johan Carbonero, and striker Lucca.

Predictions

Despite an unstable Group Stage campaign, Flamengo is a heavy favorite to win with odds of 1.58. A draw is priced at 3.65, while Internacional has 6.8 and will need to regain their earlier form. Regarding qualification, the Cariocas have odds of 1.41 against 2.9 for the Gaúchos.

Where to Watch

Globo (Free-to-Air TV), ESPN and SporTV (Cable TV), Globoplay and Disney+ (Streaming)

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Botafogo vs LDU

Botafogo will celebrate its 121st anniversary by facing its former coach. Will the match against LDU bring a good result as a birthday gift? We’ll find out at 9:30 PM this Wednesday, the 13th, at the Engenhão.

Despite some instability on and off the field in 2025, the Glorioso arrives in high spirits: they have won three of their last five matches, including a 5–0 thrashing of Fortaleza over the weekend. Led by Davide Ancelotti, the team will welcome back goalkeeper John, center-back Alexander Barboza, and defensive midfielder Marlon Freitas — though left-back Cuiabano and center-backs Bastos and Kaio remain out.

The Albos are led by Brazilian coach Tiago Nunes and are seven points behind the leaders in the Ecuadorian Championship — with numbers similar to their opponents. The coach has no absences against his former club and is counting on defensive midfielder Carlos Gruezo to take a good advantage back to the altitude of Quito.

Predictions

As the defending champion, Botafogo is the favorite: they have odds of 1.38 to win, while LDU has 8.6 and a draw is at 4.6. In terms of qualification, the Brazilians are seen as more likely with odds of 1.25, while the Ecuadorians have 3.9.

Where to Watch

Paramount+ (Streaming)

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Libertad vs River Plate

The last Libertadores champion before the current six-title streak by Brazilian clubs, River Plate is trying to reassert why it’s a South American powerhouse. Their next challenge is Libertad, in a match at the Tigo La Huerta Stadium in Asunción, at 9:30 PM on Thursday.

Coming off a run of four wins and two draws, the Gumarelo is banking on experience to take the lead — especially with 43-year-old striker Roque Santa Cruz. Coach Sergio Aquino will have a full squad available, with no absences.

After being knocked out in the FIFA Club World Cup Group Stage, the Millonarios come with three wins and two draws. Marcelo Gallardo will have a selection headache, as he will be without center-backs Germán Pezzella and Martínez Quarta and forward Maxi Salas — with Miguel Borja likely returning to the starting XI.

Predictions

Despite playing at home, Libertad is considered the underdog: they have odds of 4.3 to win compared to 1.96 for River Plate. The Argentines are also favorites to advance, with qualification odds of 1.18 compared to 4.9 for the Paraguayans.

Where to Watch

Paramount+ (Streaming)

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Universitario vs Palmeiras

Closing the first-leg matches, the Monumental “U” Stadium will host the clash between Universitario and Palmeiras this Thursday, August 14th, at 9:30 PM. In good form, the Peruvians will try to deepen the crisis of one of the continent’s main powers.

Riding a 12-match unbeaten run, with nine wins and three draws, Jorge Fossati’s team will try to surprise the team with the best Group Stage campaign. Los Cremas will have only one absence: striker Diego Churín, ruled out due to a muscle injury.

In contrast, Verdão will take the field still dealing with their Copa do Brasil elimination — their second loss to their biggest rival this year — despite coming off two wins, two losses, and one draw. Coach Abel Ferreira may have center-back Murilo back after being sidelined since the Club World Cup, but will be without center-back Bruno Fuchs, midfielder Raphael Veiga, and forwards Paulinho and Bruno Rodrigues.

Predictions

Universitario will need to rely on home advantage and strong numbers to take the lead, as a win is the least likely outcome: odds are 4.6 compared to 3.1 for a draw and 1.94 for Palmeiras. Regarding qualification, the Brazilians are even heavier favorites with odds of 1.14, while the Peruvians stand at 5.6.

Where to Watch

ESPN (Pay TV) and Disney+ (Streaming)

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Bet on the 2025 Copa Libertadores at Blaze!

Now you know everything about the 2025 Copa Libertadores Round of 16, and it’s time to prepare your predictions. Before that, don’t forget to check our Sports Betting Encyclopedia so you have no doubts about how to bet — and remember that betting is just entertainment, not an investment or source of income!

Ready for the thrill of the continent’s biggest tournament? Bet on the 2025 Copa Libertadores at Blaze responsibly, and good luck!