Copa Libertadores Round-Up: Botafogo Make History, River Plate Held Behind Closed Doors
The second matchday of the 2025 Copa Libertadores group stage kicked off across South America, delivering a mix of frustration, history, and dominance.
River Plate Stalled in an Empty Monumental
Argentinian giants River Plate, the highest-ranked club in the competition, failed to capitalize on home advantage in a goalless draw against Barcelona SC from Guayaquil. The match was played behind closed doors as punishment for the pyrotechnic-heavy atmosphere created by River fans during last season's semifinal clash with Atlético Mineiro. Though the images of a volcanic Monumental Stadium went viral, CONMEBOL responded with a one-match stadium ban.
River could have taken the lead as early as the 6th minute, but Sebastián Driussi missed a penalty. The hosts dominated with 17 shots, 7 on target, and an xG of 2.18, yet couldn’t break down the Ecuadorian defense.
Historic Night for Botafogo
Botafogo, reigning champions of Brazil, clinched their first-ever win in the Copa Libertadores after a nervy affair against Venezuelan side Carabobo. The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute, and Matheus Martins sealed the result with an added-time goal to make it 2–0. A night to remember for the Rio-based club on the continental stage.
Perfect Starts for Libertad and Universidad de Chile
Two sides have begun the tournament with back-to-back wins: Libertad of Paraguay and Universidad de Chile.
2025, Copa Libertadores
Day : 2025-04-09
"Estudiantes" - "Un. de Chile" 1:2 (1:2)
Goals : Piovi, 3 (1:0); Aranguiz C., 7 (penalty) (1:1); Zaldivia, 10 (1:2)
"Botafogo" - "Carabobo F.C." 2:0 (0:0)
Goals : de Paula, 88 (1:0); Matheus Martins, 98 (2:0)
Yellow Cards : Matheus Martins 99 -
"Independiente del Valle" - "Universitario" 1:0 (0:0)
Goals : Alcívar, 82 (1:0)
"River Plate" - "Barcelona Guayaquil" 0:0
Yellow Cards : Castaño 76; Martinez Quarta 82; Borja M. 90 -
"Libertad" - "Talleres" 2:0 (1:0)
Goals : Franco, 9 (1:0); Alcaraz, 57 (2:0)
"Peñarol" - "San Antonio Bulo Bulo" 2:0 (0:0)
Goals : Villalba H., 60 (1:0); Machado, 95 (2:0)
