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

The wait is almost over — about two more months until we finally know who will be crowned champion of the 2025 Copa Libertadores. Before that, two more rounds remain: the quarterfinals and the semifinals. Now, it’s time for eight teams to fight for four spots, while fans enjoy the moment to celebrate goals and place their sports bets.

The first-leg matches of the 2025 Libertadores quarterfinals take place between September 16 and 18, from Tuesday to Thursday. Four Argentine clubs, three Brazilian, and one Ecuadorian side have made it to this stage. There are four matchups in total, and Blaze breaks down each of them before the teams take the field, the ball rolls, and the betting begins!

Vélez Sársfield vs Racing

The José Amalfitani Stadium will host the opening of the Libertadores quarterfinals on Tuesday (16) at 7:00 p.m. (Brasília time). Vélez Sársfield welcomes Racing in this all-Argentine clash. The return leg is set for the following Tuesday (23) at the Presidente Perón Stadium, at the same time.

The hosts advanced after eliminating Fortaleza with a 2-0 aggregate. The visitors, meanwhile, lost the first leg 1-0 away to Peñarol but turned it around with a 3-1 victory in the return match.

Head-to-Head Record

As long-time rivals in Argentine football, Vélez and Racing have faced each other 94 times. The first clash dates back to 1955. Since then, Racing has 28 wins, Vélez 30, and there have been 36 draws.

Predictions

This game promises to be the most balanced of the round. In the 1x2 odds market — where 1 represents the home team, X the draw, and 2 the visitors — Vélez stands at 2.66, while Racing has 2.96, the same as the draw. However, when looking at overall qualification, Racing has the edge at 1.51 compared to Vélez’s 2.56.

Where to Watch

Paramount+ (streaming platform).

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River Plate vs Palmeiras

Wednesday (17) brings another huge clash. At 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), River Plate and Palmeiras meet at the Monumental de Núñez. The return leg will be played one week later, at the same time, at Allianz Parque.

River Plate needed penalties to advance past Libertad after two draws. Palmeiras, on the other hand, booked their place by thrashing Universitario 4-0 away and securing a scoreless draw at home.

Head-to-Head Record

The Libertadores itself has been the main stage for River Plate vs Palmeiras. Of their eight meetings so far, half were in the continent’s top tournament. The other four were part of the old Copa Mercosur, later replaced by the Copa Sudamericana. Across all eight games, Palmeiras won three, River Plate won twice, and three ended in draws.

Predictions

At the Monumental, River Plate holds the home advantage. The Argentines are priced at 2.52 to win, with Palmeiras at 3.15 and the draw at 2.98. However, when it comes to overall qualification, the Brazilians are favored with 1.57 odds of advancing, compared to River’s 2.42.

Where to Watch

TV Globo (free-to-air), ESPN (cable), Disney+ (streaming platform), and GE TV (digital channel).

Bet on River Plate vs Palmeiras at Blaze!

LDU Quito vs São Paulo

The last day of first-leg matches in the 2025 Copa Libertadores quarterfinals will be Thursday (18). LDU will host São Paulo at 7:00 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Casa Blanca Stadium. The return leg at Morumbi will also be on a Thursday, one week later, at the same time.

LDU knocked out a Brazilian side in the Round of 16. They lost the first leg away 1-0 but came back to win 2-1 at home. Meanwhile, Tricolor eliminated Atlético Nacional on penalties after two draws.

Head-to-Head Record

It’s been just over 20 years since the first match between LDU and São Paulo. Out of six games between them, the first four were in the Libertadores, with two wins apiece. In 2023, they met again in the Copa Sudamericana, with another victory for each side.

Predictions

LDU Quito should show that, in Ecuador, they reign supreme. Odds stand at 1.92 for a home win, 3.2 for a draw, and 4.5 for a São Paulo victory. However, when it comes to overall qualification, São Paulo holds the edge with 1.77 odds to reach the semifinals compared to LDU’s 2.06.

Where to Watch

Paramount+ (streaming platform).

Bet on LDU vs São Paulo at Blaze!

Flamengo vs Estudiantes

Closing the first-leg ties, Flamengo will host Estudiantes at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) on Thursday (18) at the Maracanã Stadium. The return leg is scheduled for September 25, the following Thursday, at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, at the same time.

In an all-Brazilian clash, Flamengo eliminated Internacional, winning both legs and securing a 3-0 aggregate. Estudiantes, on the other hand, defeated Cerro Porteño 1-0 in Paraguay and held a scoreless draw at home.

Head-to-Head Record

When it comes to Flamengo vs Estudiantes, draws dominate. The teams have played eight times, all in Libertadores action, with half of the matches ending level. Additionally, Estudiantes have one win, while Flamengo hold three victories.

Predictions

Here, there is a clear favorite. At the Maracanã, Flamengo are heavily favored at 1.35 odds to win. Estudiantes are far behind at 11.0, while a draw sits at 4.5. For overall qualification, the gap narrows slightly, but Flamengo still hold a strong advantage at 1.25 compared to Estudiantes’ 3.95.

Where to Watch

ESPN (cable TV) and Disney+ (streaming platform).

Bet on Flamengo vs Estudiantes at Blaze!

Bet on the 2025 Copa Libertadores at Blaze

Excited for the quarterfinal matches of the 2025 Libertadores? Prepare your bets wisely, with reason above emotion. Only use amounts set aside for entertainment, without compromising your financial life. Responsible Gambling is essential to enjoying yourself while keeping the rest of your life intact. Betting is entertainment, not an investment.

With responsibility on your side, you can now bet on the quarterfinals of the 2025 Copa Libertadores at Blaze!