Fri Feb 21 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Botafogo Faces Racing in Recopa Sudamericana Final First Leg
**Avellaneda, Argentina** – Botafogo will face Racing Club in the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana final on Thursday at 9:30 PM Brasília time (8:30 PM EST). The match will be played at El Cilindro stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, and will be broadcast on ESPN and Disney+.
Botafogo qualified for the Recopa by winning the 2022 Copa Libertadores, defeating Atlético-MG 3-1. Racing earned their place by winning the 2024 Copa Sudamericana, also with a 3-1 victory, this time over Cruzeiro.
The Brazilian team will be led by interim coach Cláudio Caçapa, who replaced Carlos Leiria earlier this month. Botafogo’s starting XI for the crucial match will be: John; Vitinho, Danilo Barbosa, Alexander Barboza, and Alex Telles; Newton, Allan, and Marlon Freitas; Savarino, Igor Jesus, and Matheus Martins.
Botafogo’s recent form has been inconsistent, utilizing a largely reserve squad in early rounds of the Campeonato Carioca (Rio de Janeiro State Championship). While a win over Fluminense boosted morale, subsequent losses to Flamengo and inconsistent performances have led to a sixth-place standing in the Carioca with one match remaining. Despite this, the club is fully focused on the Recopa Sudamericana challenge.
First Piper 