Peñarol Set for Libertadores Clash Against Racing in Round of 16

Peñarol is set for a high-stakes showdown in the 2025 Copa Libertadores Round of 16, where they will face Racing Club, the reigning Copa Sudamericana champions. The draw, held on Monday at CONMEBOL’s headquarters in Luque, Paraguay, revealed the full bracket for the knockout stage, confirming the Uruguayan side’s path forward.

Led by Diego Aguirre, Peñarol will play the first leg at home in the Estadio Campeón del Siglo before traveling to the Cilindro in Avellaneda for the return match. Notably, the home leg will mark the return of fans to their stadium after a three-game suspension handed down by CONMEBOL was fully served.

Peñarol comes into the knockout phase with momentum. Last season, they reached the semifinals before being eliminated by eventual champions Botafogo. That deep run gave the team invaluable experience, which they now hope to capitalize on against a well-oiled Racing squad that topped their group.

Racing, under consistent international form, poses a serious challenge. The tie promises to be one of the most compelling of the round, featuring two clubs steeped in tradition and driven by contrasting tactical identities.

Should Peñarol advance, they will meet the winner of Vélez Sarsfield vs. Fortaleza in the quarterfinals. The two-legged ties are scheduled between August 12 and 21.

Beyond sporting glory, the financial prize is also significant: the Libertadores winner will receive $24 million in prize money, a slight increase from the $23 million awarded to Botafogo in 2024. Both Montevideo and Avellaneda are already bracing for nights of passion and continental ambition.