2025 Copa Libertadores Final Returns to Lima

Lima will host the 2025 Copa Libertadores final, as the President of the country Dina Boluarte announced. The decisive match is set to be played on November 29th, becoming the second time the capital of Peru hosts the continent’s most important club match.

Botafogo, the current holders, are looking to retain their crown. The Brazilian side defeated Atlético Mineiro 3–1 last November to win their first Copa Libertadores title in a dramatic all-Brazilian final. They are third in Group A with one game remaining, and qualification still in sight.

The match venue is yet to be confirmed. At first it was believed to be the Estadio Monumental U Marathon; however, the Estadio Nacional -home of the Peruvian football national team- is another big candidate that cannot be ruled out.

Estadio Monumental U Marathon remains the frontrunner. In 2019, a year before the pandemic, the same stadium hosted a memorable final in which Flamengo defeated River Plate, thanks to a late brace by striker Gabigol.

Gabigol was also named ‘Man Of The Match’. (Photo: REUTERS, via Infobae)

That was the second continental title for O Mengão, conquering the biggest prize after 38 years. Lima became a football festival during those days, with passionate fans from both sides filling the city with colour. It is believed that the match was attended by more than 78 thousand fans.

“This event will take place on November 29th, confirming our country as one of the most attractive sporting destinations on the continent,” announced the President from Government Palace.

She added that “the government is committed to providing the necessary guarantees for the success of this continental event, just as we will do for the 2025 Bolivarian Games”.

“This upcoming final will be broadcasted simultaneously in 195 countries, with a potential audience of 5 billion people,” added Alejandro Dominguez, President of the Conmebol.

The two authorities, joined by Peruvian FA president Agustín Lozano, met at the Government Palace to make official what will be the continent’s biggest club event.

Tickets are not yet on sale but are expected to be distributed through Teleticket once the venue is officially confirmed.

Peruvian clubs want to surprise

In this year’s edition, Peru is represented by three teams: Universitario, Alianza Lima and Sporting Cristal; all from the capital city.

Peruvian teams have historically struggled in the competition though. Several factors such as the lack of competitiveness in the local league, the small budgets compared to other sides in the opponents’ countries and mostly the lack of planning from the people in charge, come together to prevent any kind of success. 

The last team to progress from group stages was Real Garcilaso (from Cusco) back in 2013, more than ten years ago. This year Alianza Lima surprised after getting a draw 2-2 against the powerhouse São Paulo in Brazil and Universitario getting a big narrow 1-0 win in Ecuador against Barcelona SC. 

While the dream is to play in a final taking place in the country, all three teams will at least hope to reach third place to enter the Copa Sudamericana, the second competition.