Quarterfinals of the 2025 Copa Sudamericana: First Leg Matches, Favorites and Where to Watch!

After almost a month of anticipation, the time has come to find out who will reach the Semifinals of South America’s second most important tournament. The first-leg matches of the 2025 Copa Sudamericana Quarterfinals will be played between September 16 and 18, with four clashes featuring tradition, altitude, and continental rivalry — and also Responsible Sports Betting!

The Brazilian clubs Atlético-MG and Fluminense aim to keep the dream of a historic continental title alive. While Galo faces Bolívar in La Paz, the Tricolor das Laranjeiras meets Lanús in Argentina. Completing the quarterfinal bracket, Independiente del Valle will play Once Caldas, and Alianza Lima will face Universidad de Chile.

To help you understand what to expect from this decisive stage, we’ve prepared a complete guide with context, data, highlights, and, of course, predictions for each match — remembering that odds change over time and as bets are placed. So keep reading and get ready for the Sula!

Lanús vs. Fluminense

On Tuesday, September 16, at 9:30 PM, Fluminense visits Lanús at the Ciudad de Lanús Stadium — the famous La Fortaleza. The Rio de Janeiro side travels to Argentina in search of their first-ever Copa Sudamericana title, and for the first time in history, these two clubs meet in a continental competition. This adds a new and exciting element to the clash!

Lanús’ Background

The Argentine team sealed their quarterfinal spot after a dramatic qualification: they lost the first leg 1-0 to Central Córdoba, won by the same score in the return match, and advanced on penalties.

Sudamericana Campaign

Winners of the tournament in 2013, Lanús has had a solid run: 8 games, 4 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, with 10 goals scored and 5 conceded. At home, they hold a 75% success rate (3 wins and 1 draw) and are looking to repeat last year’s semifinal appearance, when they fell to Cruzeiro.

Domestic Performance

In the Argentine Professional League, the two-time Argentine champions sit 4th in Group B of the Second Phase. In the Copa Argentina, they were eliminated by Argentinos Juniors 1-0.

Confirmed Absences

Lanús enters the match with a considerable injury list. Goalkeeper Nahuel Losada remains out. In defense, Carlos Izquierdoz, Ronaldo Dejesús, and Franco Ortellado are unavailable, while the midfield is weakened by the absences of Felipe Peña Biafore, Raúl Loaiza, and Juan Ramírez. In attack, coach Pellegrino will also be without attacking midfielder Franco Watson.

Style of Play

Pellegrino’s Lanús compresses the midfield and relies on fast transitions down the wings. Up front, Salvio, Moreno, and Aquino stand out, each with two goals in the competition.

Fluminense’s Background

Unbeaten in their last four Sudamericana matches, Fluminense arrives at the quarterfinals buoyed by a convincing 4-1 aggregate win over América de Cali in the round of 16.

Sudamericana Campaign

So far, the Tricolor has six wins, one draw, and only one loss in the competition. With 15 goals scored and just three conceded, they boast one of the strongest defenses in the tournament. Away from home, their record is also solid: two wins, one draw, and one loss.

Domestic Performance

In the Brasileirão, Fluzão currently sits in 10th place. However, while league results haven’t impressed fans, their knockout tournament performances tell a different story. They’ve already eliminated Bahia in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals and are preparing for a fiery semifinal against Vasco, while still dreaming of their first continental trophy.

Confirmed Absences

For this clash, Fluminense has just one definite absence: right-back Samuel Xavier, recovering from a grade II thigh injury. In midfield, Renato Gaúcho is weighing whether to start Nonato or Argentine playmaker Lucho Acosta, who are battling for a spot in the starting lineup.

Style of Play

Under Renato Gaúcho, Fluminense adopts a proactive style: possession, quick passing triangles, and constant movement. The team looks to control the tempo and use off-the-ball runs to create clear chances and maintain pressure on opponents.

Recent Results

Lanús comes into the match boosted by a 1-0 home win against Independiente Rivadavia in the Argentine League. Fluminense, meanwhile, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Corinthians at the Maracanã in the Brasileirão, a game where Renato Gaúcho opted to rest starters ahead of the decisive Argentine clash.

Predictions

The first leg between Lanús and Fluminense promises balance, with a slight edge to the Argentines due to home advantage. Playing at La Fortaleza, Lanús is priced at 2.38 to win, while Fluminense is at 3.45 for an away victory; the draw stands at 2.84.

Over the full 180 minutes, however, the scenario flips. The strength of Fluminense’s squad and the decisive second leg at the Maracanã make them favorites to advance to the semifinals at 1.67, compared to 2.14 for Lanús. And in the race for the title: Fluminense tops the betting at 4.00 to lift the Copa Sudamericana trophy, with Lanús further back at 7.00.

Where to Watch

Paramount+ (streaming) and SBT (free-to-air TV).

Bet on Lanús vs. Fluminense at Blaze!

Bolívar vs. Atlético-MG

At 3,650 meters above sea level, the Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz will host the first clash between Bolívar and Atlético-MG. The match takes place on September 17 at 7:00 PM (Brasília time) and carries a special ingredient: both clubs are seeking their first title in the tournament. The teams have already faced each other in the 2000 Copa Libertadores group stage, with one victory for each side — Galo won 1-0 in Belo Horizonte, while Bolívar triumphed 4-0 in the Bolivian altitude.

Bolívar’s Background

The Celestes secured their spot in the quarterfinals after eliminating Cienciano in authoritative fashion: a 2-0 win in Peru and another 2-0 in La Paz.

Sudamericana Campaign

Bolívar entered the 2025 Copa Sudamericana after finishing third in their Libertadores group, earning a playoff spot in the round of 16. Since then, they have had a flawless campaign: a 3-0 win over Palestino in La Paz and the same scoreline in Chile. In the round of 16, against Cienciano, they kept up the pace and won both legs, closing the aggregate at 4-0. In total, they have four wins in four matches, with 10 goals scored and none conceded.

Domestic Performance

The most successful club in Bolivian football, with 31 titles, Bolívar currently sits 3rd in the national league.

Confirmed Absences

Bolívar has no suspensions or new injuries. Daniel Cataño and Leonel Justiniano are one booking away from suspension but remain available for coach Flavio Robatto.

Style of Play

The Bolivian team builds from the back, accelerates through the flanks, and seeks central penetrations to arrive in numbers inside the box.

Atlético-MG’s Background

Galo confirmed their quarterfinal berth in the Sudamericana after defeating Godoy Cruz in the round of 16. In the first leg, they won 1-0 in Argentina and sealed qualification at home with a 2-1 victory.

Sudamericana Campaign

Finishing second in their group, Atlético-MG entered the round of 16 playoffs to face Atlético Bucaramanga. They won the first leg 1-0 in Colombia, lost by the same score in Belo Horizonte, and advanced on penalties 3-1. In the round of 16, against Argentina’s Godoy Cruz, Galo showed strength and won both matches, closing the aggregate at 3-1. In total so far, the team has played 10 matches, recording 5 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, with 15 goals scored and 8 conceded.

Domestic Performance

In the Brazilian Championship, the alvinegro is going through a turbulent phase. Sitting in 13th place, the team has gone five matches without a win. In the Copa do Brasil, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by their biggest rival, Cruzeiro, who hadn’t beaten Galo in six matches — and won both legs 2-0. The disappointing results cost coach Cuca his job, paving the way for Jorge Sampaoli’s return in an effort to restore confidence and improve the team’s season performance.

Confirmed Absences

For the high-altitude clash, Atlético-MG arrives with several absences. In defense, right-back Renzo Saravia and center-back Ruan remain out, while midfielder Patrick is still recovering from back issues. In attack, Cadu, a promising talent, is sidelined with a serious knee ligament injury.

Style of Play

Under Sampaoli, Galo plays a proactive style: short possession, high pressing, and mobility in attack led by Hulk, the team’s top scorer in the competition with three goals. The team exploits variations down the flanks and quick central penetrations to pressure opponents and create scoring chances.

Recent Results

Bolívar comes in strong after thrashing Guabirá 4-0 in the Bolivian Championship, extending their unbeaten streak to eight matches — four in the national league, two in the domestic cup, and two in the Sudamericana. Atlético-MG, on the other hand, comes from a 1-1 home draw against Santos in the Brasileirão.

Predictions

The 3,650-meter altitude of Hernando Siles is expected to be a decisive factor in the first clash between Bolívar and Atlético-MG. Backed by their fans and accustomed to La Paz conditions, the Bolivians enter as favorites: a Bolívar win is priced at 1.73, while Galo appears at 4.40 to pull off an away upset; the draw stands at 3.85.

Over the 180 minutes, Bolívar also starts ahead to reach the semifinals, with odds of 1.70 against 2.10 for Atlético-MG. However, in the outright winner market, the roles reverse: Atlético is better positioned to lift the Sudamericana trophy at 5.00, while Bolívar sits at 10.0.

Where to Watch

ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming).

Bet on Bolívar La Paz vs. Atlético-MG at Blaze!

Independiente del Valle vs. Once Caldas

The General Rumiñahui Stadium in Sangolquí will host the first leg between Independiente del Valle and Once Caldas. The match takes place on Wednesday, September 17, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), and marks the first official continental clash between the teams, adding even more anticipation.

Independiente del Valle’s Background

Two-time Copa Sudamericana champions, Independiente del Valle advance to the quarterfinals reaffirming their tradition in the tournament. In the round of 16, the Ecuadorian side faced Mushuc Runa: they won the first leg 1-0 at home, lost the return 2-1, and secured qualification on penalties.

Sudamericana Campaign

Like Bolívar, Independiente del Valle entered the 2025 Sudamericana after finishing third in their Libertadores group, earning a playoff spot. Against Vasco da Gama, they took full advantage of home field with a crushing 4-0 win in Sangolquí and held a 1-1 draw in Rio. Against Mushuc Runa, they needed nerves of steel to prevail on penalties 4-2. In total, they’ve played four matches in this edition: two wins, one draw, and one loss, with seven goals scored and only two conceded.

Domestic Performance

The absolute leaders of the Ecuadorian Championship, del Valle sits in 1st place with a 12-point lead over second place. They are also alive in the Copa de Ecuador, where they will face Gualaceo Sporting Club in the round of 16.

Confirmed Absences

For this first quarterfinal leg, the team will have only one absence: central midfielder Ronald Briones remains out with a fibula fracture.

Style of Play

Del Valle controls the midfield, values possession, and accelerates down the flanks to finish with superiority.

Once Caldas’ Background

A traditional Colombian club and 2004 Libertadores champion, Once Caldas is still chasing their first Sudamericana title. In the round of 16, they showed strength against Huracán: a 1-0 home win and a 3-1 away victory sealed their qualification.

Sudamericana Campaign

Like Atlético-MG, Once Caldas finished second in their group and had to go through the round of 16 playoffs. Against SA Bulo Bulo, they left no chance: 3-0 away and 4-0 at the Palogrande Stadium. In the round of 16, they kept the momentum against Huracán, winning both matches and closing the aggregate at 4-1. In total, the team has 10 matches, with 8 wins and only 2 losses, scoring 19 goals and conceding 7.

Domestic Performance

In the Colombian Championship, Once Caldas is having an irregular year. The team sits just 13th in the standings, far from the playoff qualification zone.

Confirmed Absences

The Colombian side will have one absence in attack: left winger Jorge Méndez remains out with an injury.

Style of Play

Once Caldas plays a direct game: quick transitions, tight marking, and aerial balls to Dayro Moreno, the tournament’s top scorer with 8 goals.

Recent Results

Independiente del Valle heads into the quarterfinals after a 3-1 win over Vinotinto del Ecuador Fútbol Club in the Ecuadorian Championship, maintaining their isolated lead. Once Caldas also comes in on a positive note, having beaten Envigado 1-0 in the Colombian league, boosting their confidence for the continental clash.

Predictions

In Sangolquí, tradition and home advantage make Independiente del Valle favorites to take the first-leg lead. The Ecuadorians are priced at 1.62 to win, while Once Caldas stands at 5.40 to surprise away; the draw is priced at 3.80.

Over the two legs, del Valle’s favoritism grows: 1.49 odds to advance to the semifinals against 2.56 for Once Caldas. In the outright winner market, the gap is wide: the Ecuadorians are among the top three favorites at 6.00 to lift the trophy, while the Colombians are considered the biggest underdogs, at 14.0.

Where to Watch

ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming).

Bet on Independiente del Valle vs. Once Caldas at Blaze!

Alianza Lima vs. Universidad de Chile

Qualified after Conmebol eliminated Independiente due to violent incidents in Avellaneda, Universidad de Chile enters the quarterfinals under the eyes of the entire continent. On Thursday, September 18, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), La U will visit Alianza Lima at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima for a clash that promises to be decisive.

The head-to-head record also adds weight to the matchup: in four official games between the teams, the Chileans hold the advantage with two wins, one draw, and just one victory for the Peruvians. With a semifinal spot on the line, expectations are high for an electrifying duel in the Peruvian capital.

Alianza Lima’s Background

The Blue and Whites reach the quarterfinals buoyed by two convincing wins over Universidad Católica in the round of 16. They first built an advantage at home with a 2-0 win at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium and sealed the spot with a 2-1 victory in Chile.

Sudamericana Campaign

Alianza Lima is another of the quarterfinal clubs that came from the 2025 Copa Libertadores. Like Independiente del Valle and Bolívar, they finished third in their group and had to fight for a spot in the Sudamericana round of 16 playoffs. In that stage, they faced Grêmio: a 2-0 home win and a 1-1 draw away secured their qualification.

In the round of 16, against Universidad Católica, they once again showed efficiency and advanced convincingly by winning both games, closing the aggregate at 4-1. In total, the team has played four matches, with three wins and one draw, seven goals scored and only two conceded.

Domestic Performance

The second most successful club in Peruvian football, with 25 league titles, behind only Universitario de Deportes, Alianza currently sits 5th in the national league.

Confirmed Absences

For this first quarterfinal leg, Alianza Lima has no suspensions or injury absences, allowing coach Néstor Gorosito to field his regular starting lineup.

Style of Play

Gorosito’s Alianza prioritizes organization without the ball, controlled possession, and quick attacking transitions, especially exploiting wing play to arrive in numbers in the opposition’s box.

Universidad de Chile’s Background

Los Azules reach the quarterfinals with the most controversial qualification of this Sudamericana. In the round of 16 first leg in Santiago, Universidad de Chile beat Independiente 1-0 to take the lead. In the return leg in Avellaneda, the match was tied 1-1 when a mass brawl in the stands forced the game to be suspended. After investigation, Conmebol decided to eliminate the Argentine club and confirm La U’s place in the quarterfinals.

Sudamericana Campaign

The fourth team to drop from the 2025 Libertadores after finishing third in their group, Universidad de Chile entered the Sudamericana playoffs against Paraguay’s Club Guaraní. They had no trouble: a 5-0 thrashing in Santiago and, despite losing the second leg 2-1, advanced on aggregate.

In the round of 16, their qualification came off the field: after a 1-0 win over Independiente at home, the return leg in Avellaneda was suspended at 1-1 due to crowd violence. Conmebol eliminated Independiente, sending La U into the quarterfinals. In total, the Chilean team has four matches, with two wins, one draw, and one loss, scoring eight goals and conceding three.

Domestic Performance

Winners of the Chilean Super Cup after beating Colo-Colo, Universidad de Chile are having a consistent season. In the Chilean Championship, they currently sit 6th and are pushing to climb into the Libertadores qualification spots.

Confirmed Absences

For this duel, coach Gustavo Álvarez has some absences: center-back Nicolás Ramírez is out with a muscle tear, midfielder Israel Poblete is recovering from injury, and striker Lucas Di Yorio recently underwent knee surgery.

Style of Play

Under Álvarez, La U relies on intensity and mobility in attack, working quick passing triangles and taking advantage of wing play to surprise opposing defenses.

Recent Results

Alianza Lima heads into the quarterfinals looking to bounce back from a 4-3 loss to Deportivo Garcilaso in the Peruvian Championship. Universidad de Chile, on the other hand, is riding high: they beat Colo-Colo 3-0 to lift the Chilean Super Cup, a result that boosts confidence ahead of the continental clash.

Predictions

The meeting between Alianza Lima and Universidad de Chile promises balance in Lima. Playing at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, the Peruvians are slightly favored in the odds to win the first leg: 2.32 for an Alianza victory, compared to 3.25 for La U; the draw is priced at 3.05.

When it comes to advancing to the semifinals, however, the balance tips toward the Chileans: Universidad de Chile are favorites with odds of 1.74, while Alianza Lima stands at 2.04. In the outright winner market, the scenario is even: both clubs are priced at 9.0 to lift the Sudamericana trophy.

Where to Watch

Paramount+ (streaming).

Bet on Alianza Lima vs. Universidad de Chile at Blaze!

Bet on the Copa Sudamericana at Blaze

It’s time to experience the thrill of South American knockout football! The 2025 Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals promise decisive clashes, historic rivalries, and plenty of betting opportunities. But to enjoy it to the fullest, information and responsibility are essential.

Betting can make football even more exciting, but it also involves risks. Treat betting as entertainment, not as an investment. Set a budget that fits your reality, stay disciplined, and only use amounts that won’t affect your daily life.

Analyze statistics, lineups, and the teams’ history before placing your bets. This approach helps you make more conscious decisions and avoid impulsive choices. To deepen your knowledge, check our Sports Betting Encyclopedia, which gathers tips on how to bet safely and responsibly.

Bet responsibly and enjoy every moment of South American football with excitement and safety. Bet on the 2025 Copa Sudamericana at Blaze and turn every game into an unforgettable experience — always with responsibility!