Brazilian giants clash as Libertadores round of 16 kicks off

Everything about the Libertadores round of 16 is set to unfold as the knockout stage kicks off this Tuesday, the 10th, marking the start of the road to Eternal Glory. The draw features six Brazilian clubs, including Flamengo and Cruzeiro, who will meet in the only tie between two former champions.

The round‑of‑16 fixtures run from 11 August to 20 August, with first legs on Tuesdays and Thursdays and return legs a week later. OneFootball lists each tie, its group position and the venues, from Estadio Ciudad de la Plata in Argentina to the Maracanã in Brazil. This schedule sets the stage for clubs to chase the coveted Libertadores trophy.

Brazilian clubs dominate round

Flamengo host Cruzeiro on 12 August at Mineirão, with the second leg on 19 August at the Maracanã. Flamengo entered the tie as group A leaders with 16 points and did not add any reinforcements, while Cruzeiro, second in group D with 11 points, brought in six new players, including left‑back Gabriel Rojas and forward João Costa. This tie pits the defending champion against a side eager to rewrite its recent history.

Palmeiras travel to Cerro Porteño for the first leg on 12 August at Nubank Parque, returning to Asunción on 19 August at Estadio General Pablo Rojas. Palmeiras finished second in group F with 11 points, while Cerro Porteño topped the same group with 13 points. The clubs already met in the group stage, drawing in Asunción and seeing Cerro win in São Paulo, adding a familiar narrative to this Brazilian‑Paraguayan clash.

Mirassol face LDU in a tie that also saw both sides meet in the group stage. The first leg is on 13 August at Maião, with the return on 20 August at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Ecuador. Mirassol finished second in group G with 12 points; LDU were group winners with the same tally. Both group matches ended 2‑0 to the home side, and LDU’s Brazilian coach Tiago Nunes was dismissed in July, adding intrigue to this encounter.

Fluminense host Independiente Rivadavia on 11 August at the Maracanã, with the second leg on 18 August at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas. Fluminense were second in group C with eight points, while Rivadavia topped the group with 16 points. Rivadavia boast the tournament’s top scorer, Alex Arce (eight goals), whereas Fluminense’s leading scorer John Kennedy is sidelined with just two goals.

Historical clashes and stakes

Estudiantes meet Universidad Católica, with the first leg on 11 August at Estadio Ciudad de la Plata and the return on 18 August at Claro Arena in Chile. Estudiantes finished second in Group A with nine points; Católica led Group D with 13 points. Their only previous Libertadores meeting was the 1969 semifinal, won by Estudiantes. Católica’s remarkable away record includes victories over Cruzeiro at Mineirão and Boca Juniors at La Bombonera.

Rosario Central travel to Corinthians for a tie beginning 13 August at Gigante de Arroyito, with the second leg on 20 August at Neo Química Arena. Rosario Central were second in Group H with 13 points, while Corinthians topped Group E with 11 points. If Dutch striker Luuk Depay renews with Timão, he could face fellow 2014 World Cup veteran Ángel Di María, echoing their veteran showdown. Their sole previous Libertadores clash was in the 2000 round of 16, when Corinthians advanced on penalties.

Platense and Coquimbo Unido, both national champions for the first time in 2025, contest the only tie featuring clubs that have never reached a Libertadores final. The first leg is on 12 August at Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López, and the return on 19 August at Estadio Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso. Platense finished second in Group E with 10 points; Coquimbo Unido were group leaders with the same tally.