A High-Stakes Clash in San Cristóbal

Deportivo Táchira will welcome Flamengo this Thursday in the opening match of Group C in the 2025 Copa Libertadores. The match will take place at the Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo in the western state of Táchira, Venezuela.

Led by head coach Édgar Pérez Greco, the Venezuelan champions come into the tournament on solid form, having gone undefeated in the Clausura 2024 and currently sitting second in the domestic league standings with just one loss in nine matches. The team hopes to replicate its historic 2004 run when they reached the quarterfinals without losing a single game.

Flamengo Without Key Stars but Full of Depth

On the visiting side, Flamengo arrives with a rich legacy and three Libertadores titles (1981, 2019, 2022) under its belt. However, the Brazilian giants are dealing with multiple injury concerns. Star striker Pedro, captain Gerson, and defender Danilo are all sidelined for the opener.

Despite the setbacks, manager Filipe Luís has plenty of depth at his disposal. Veteran leaders like Bruno Henrique, Nicolás de la Cruz, and goalkeeper Agustín Rossi are expected to guide a youthful squad featuring several teenage players. Flamengo is still considered a strong contender for the title and aims to start the tournament on the right foot.

High Rewards Await the Champion

The 66th edition of the Copa Libertadores runs through November 29 and offers a $24 million prize for the champion, while the runner-up will receive $7 million. The tournament also grants access to prestigious competitions such as the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, 2026 Recopa Sudamericana, the 2026 Libertadores, and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

The match will be officiated by Bolivian referee Gery Vargas.

Projected Lineups:

Deportivo Táchira: Jesús Camargo; Yanniel Hernández, Mauro Maidana, Carlos Vivas, Roberto Rosales; Carlos Calzadilla, Juan Manuel Requena; Daniel Saggiomo, Maurice Cova, Carlos Sosa; Bryan Castillo. Head coach: Édgar Pérez Greco.

Flamengo: Agustín Rossi; Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Wesley; Nicolás de la Cruz, Erick Pulgar, Michael, Bruno Henrique, Luiz Araújo; Junin. Head coach: Filipe Luís.

All eyes will be on San Cristóbal as Deportivo Táchira looks to pull off a statement win against one of South America's most powerful clubs.