The 2025 Recopa Sudamericana, which pits the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana champions against each other, marks Racing Club’s first major test of the year. After securing a 2-0 victory in the first leg against Botafogo, "La Academia" travels to Brazil aiming to claim another international title and strengthen its continental dominance.

A Tournament with a Changing Format

The Recopa Sudamericana, now in its 33rd edition, has evolved over time. Under its current format, the tournament has been played since 1989, when Racing fell to Nacional de Montevideo in the final. Since then, Libertadores champions have faced the winners of South America's secondary tournaments—first the Supercopa Sudamericana and later the Copa Sudamericana.

Libertadores vs. Sudamericana: Who Holds the Edge?

The trend is clear: in most Recopa Sudamericana finals, the Copa Libertadores champion has come out on top. Of the 34 titles contested, 21 have been won by the Libertadores representative, while the Sudamericana winner has prevailed only 11 times.

Notably, no final was played in 1991, as Olimpia won both tournaments and was automatically crowned champion. In recent years, Libertadores champions have maintained their dominance, winning six of the last eight editions.

Clubs like Atlético Nacional, River Plate, Gremio, Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense have all lifted the Recopa after winning the Libertadores. In contrast, only Defensa y Justicia (2021) and Independiente del Valle (2023) have done so as Sudamericana champions.

Interestingly, if the pattern of the last four years continues—where Libertadores and Sudamericana winners have alternated victories—2025, an odd-numbered year, could be Racing's turn.

Argentina: The Most Successful Nation in Recopa History

Racing has another factor in its favor: Argentine clubs have historically dominated the Recopa Sudamericana. Boca Juniors leads the all-time standings with four titles, followed by River Plate with three. Independiente, Vélez Sarsfield, and Defensa y Justicia have also claimed the trophy.

"La Academia" now looks to join this elite group, having reached the final once before in 1989, when they lost to Nacional. Other Argentine clubs that have contested the Recopa without success include San Lorenzo (two-time runner-up), Arsenal, Estudiantes, and Lanús.

This Thursday, Racing has a date with history in Brazil. Will they secure their first Recopa Sudamericana title and add another star to their crest?