Botafogo was in a complicated situation in the dispute for the unprecedented South American Recopa title, as it was defeated 2-0 by Racing (Argentina), on Thursday (20) at the El Cilindo stadium in Buenos Aires, in the outset match of the competition that puts the current Copa Libertadores champion face to face and the winner of the South American Cup.
🏆🤩 ¡Fiesta de @Racingclub EN El Cylinder!
🔝 Venció A @Botafogo By La Ida de la Conmebol #Recopa y travels with the rich of January. pic.twitter.com/vqetaiisyn
– Conmebol Recopa (@conmebolrecopa) February 21, 2025
Thus, the alvinegro of General Severiano will have to win, next Thursday (27) at Nilton Santos Stadium, for the difference of three or more goals to get the title in regular time. A triumph for two goals leads to the penalty shootout. Racing is champion with a draw or even a defeat by a goal difference.
Botafogo did not make a good presentation away from home. Faced with a crowded stadium, he made mistakes that cannot be made in a decision. And one of them allowed Racing to open the scoring. 24 minutes into the first half the Argentine defender Barboza knocked Adrián Martínez inside the area. And the judge scored a penalty. Vietto went to the charge and did not fail.
💙🤍 ¡celebrates, @Racingclub! El Gol de Luciano Vietto!
🏆 Conmebol #Recopa 2025 pic.twitter.com/kamfnbsfd4
– Conmebol Recopa (@conmebolrecopa) February 21, 2025
Alvinegro even started better in the final stage, but any chance of reaction was down the drain after 17 minutes, when the racing fit fast counterattack that ended with a touch by Adrián Martínez that left goalkeeper John without reaction.
