Copa Libertadores 2025: Group Stage Draw and Key Matchups

Excitement for the 2025 CONMEBOL Libertadores is skyrocketing after the recent group-stage draw in Paraguay. South America's premier club competition once again gathers the continent's elite teams, with Brazil presenting a powerful lineup of seven clubs: Botafogo, Flamengo, Palmeiras, São Paulo, Internacional, Fortaleza, and Bahia.

Group Stage Breakdown

The group stage is set, promising high stakes clashes and intense rivalries. The excitement is palpable as teams prepare for fierce competition and unforgettable moments. Fans eagerly anticipate the drama, and passion that will unfold on the field.

• Group A: Botafogo, Estudiantes (ARG), Universidad de Chile (CHI), and Carabobo (VEN).

• Group B: River Plate (ARG), Independiente del Valle (ECU), Universitario (PER), and Barcelona SC (ECU).
• Group C: Flamengo, LDU (ECU), Deportivo Táchira (VEN), and Central Córdoba (ARG).

• Group D: São Paulo, Libertad (PAR), Talleres (ARG), and Alianza Lima (PER).
• Group E: Fortaleza, Racing Club (ARG), Colo-Colo (CHI), and Atlético Bucaramanga (COL).
• Group F: Internacional, Bahia, Nacional (URU) and Atlético Nacional (COL) in a compelling contest.
• Group G: Palmeiras, Bolívar (BOL), Sporting Cristal (PER), and Cerro Porteño (PAR).

• Group H: Peñarol (URU), Olimpia (PAR), Vélez Sarsfield (ARG), and San Antonio (BOL) fight for supremacy.

First match week

The action kicks off on April 1, 2025, running through May 29, setting the stage for an electrifying journey to the final on November 29 at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue. Notable early fixtures involving Brazilian teams include:

• Universidad de Chile vs. Botafogo (April 2, 8:30 PM ET)
• Deportivo Táchira vs. Flamengo (April 3, 8:30 PM ET)
• Talleres vs. São Paulo (April 2, 8:30 PM ET)
• Fortaleza vs. Racing (April 1, 8:30 PM ET)
• Bahia vs. Internacional (April 3, 6:00 PM ET)
• Sporting Cristal vs. Palmeiras (April 3, 6:00 PM ET)

Record Prize Pool Raises the Stakes

CONMEBOL has sweetened the deal for 2025, raising the champion’s purse to $24 million (R$136 million), a $1 million increase from last year. The total prize allocation for the Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana has surged to $302 million (R$1.7 billion), reinforcing the tournament’s financial allure.

Prize Distribution:

• Group Stage: $3 million per team + $330,000 per win.
• Round of 16: $1.25 million.
• Quarterfinals: $1.7 million.
• Semifinals: $2.3 million.
• Runner-Up: $7 million.
• Champion: $24 million.

With powerhouse clubs like Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Botafogo in contention, the 2025 Libertadores promises unparalleled drama, unforgettable moments, and a fiercely contested race for South America’s most coveted club trophy.