😱 Brazilian clashes loom in Libertadores last 16, current scenario
Now there are only TWO groups left to be decided in the 2025 Copa Libertadores.
And ONLY one spot up for grabs: it will go to either Fortaleza or Atlético Bucaramanga.
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This Wednesday (28th) featured six matches in the final round of the group stage of the competition.
One of them ended with Flamengo qualifying, but they had to settle for second place in their group.
In other words: Rubro-Negro and Botafogo could face Palmeiras, São Paulo, or Internacional—who topped their respective groups—already in the round of 16.
The highly anticipated draw will take place next Monday (2nd), starting at 12pm (Brasília time).
Which will pit a group winner 🆚 a runner-up.
Another Brazilian team, the aforementioned Fortaleza, is still fighting for a spot. But they are at risk of elimination.
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See the situation of all the groups below.
La U reached the final round as group leaders, had the advantage of a draw, but were defeated at Nilton Santos and had to settle for the Sula playoffs.
Current champions Botafogo finished second thanks to goal difference.
The team that eliminated Corinthians in the third qualifying round, Barcelona de Guayaquil, disappointed.
River even scored a tennis-like result (beating Del Valle 6-2), but didn't dominate as expected.
The big surprise was Universitario, securing a Peruvian team in the round of 16.
There was plenty of tension at Maracanã.
After LDU opened the scoring, Flamengo dropped to third place.
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And stayed in that position until they scored against Táchira in the 66th minute.
They suffered, but did their part to qualify.
SPFC went through in first place and unbeaten.
The Sula playoff spot went to Alianza Lima with Guerrero and Barcos.
5/29 - Thursday
9:30pm - Colo-Colo vs. Bucaramanga
9:30pm - Racing vs. Fortaleza
After failing to "finish off" Bucaramanga in the last round, Laion will need to win in Argentina to avoid having to count on a slip-up by the Colombian team.
Racing only needs a draw to secure first place.
Inter did their part and also benefited from Atlético Nacional's slip-up to advance in 1st place.
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Bahia is out of the Libertadores, but secured the Sula playoffs thanks to a better goal difference than Nacional.
Palmeiras confirmed their 100% record—the only one in the group stage.
Bolívar needed a win to have a chance at the playoffs. And that's what happened after the 4-0 over Cerro.
5/29 - Thursday
7:00pm - Olimpia vs. San Antônio Bulo Bulo
7:00pm - Peñarol vs. Vélez Sarsfield
The only fight is for the top spot, with the advantage for Vélez.
Debutants San Antonio Bulo Bulo dropped off in performance, but made history by securing a spot in the Sula playoffs.
📸 Marcelo Endelli - 2024 Getty Images
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