In a tense return leg semifinal of the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo defeated Racing at the Presidente Perón Stadium in Avellaneda, securing their spot as the tournament's first finalist. The match, highlighted by a spectacular welcome from Academy fans, sparked hundreds of memes and reactions on social media. Racing aimed to overturn the 0-1 first-leg loss but failed to achieve the required result to advance for the first time since 1967.
The return leg of the 2025 Copa Libertadores semifinals took place on October 29 at the Cilindro in Avellaneda, home of Racing Club. Originally scheduled for 21:30 Argentina time, the kickoff was delayed 20 minutes to 21:50 due to traffic delaying Flamengo's bus arrival. Racing fans staged an impressive welcome with flares, fireworks, and crowds in the streets, filling the Presidente Perón Stadium, located on Mozart and Omar Oreste Corbatta streets.
Racing, coached by Gustavo Costas, fielded Facundo Cambeses in goal; Facundo Mura, Nazareno Colombo, Marcos Rojo, and Gabriel Rojas in defense; Bruno Zuculini, Juan Ignacio Nardoni, and Agustín Almendra in midfield; and Santiago Solari, Tomás Conechny, and Adrián Martínez up front. Flamengo, led by Filipe Luis, started Agustín Rossi; Guillermo Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Erick Pulgar, Jorginho, and Giorgian De Arrascaeta; alongside Jorge Carrascal, Luiz Araújo, and Gonzalo Plata.
In the first leg on October 22, Flamengo had won 1-0 in Brazil. To advance, Racing needed a two-goal victory or more, or a one-goal win to go to penalties. Recent history favored Flamengo, with wins in key prior matches. In the first half, the score stayed 0-0, with chances like Luiz Araújo's shot wide at the 9th minute, Cambeses' save at the 15th against Varela, and Conechny's header at the 11th.
Ultimately, Flamengo advanced as the first finalist, deciding the tie. Social media buzzed with memes and comments about the match, capturing fans' passion. Santiago Sosa, injured in the first leg from a clash with Rojo, joined the team huddle pre-game. The match was broadcast live on Disney+ Premium.
