Flamengo defeated Racing 1-0 on the evening of October 22, 2025, at Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores semifinal. Jorge Carrascal scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute of the second half, assisted by Bruno Henrique. The intense match, watched by 71,738 fans, was marked by physical play and close chances. The result gives Flamengo an advantage for the return leg in Argentina, which will determine the finalist.
The game started evenly, with Flamengo controlling possession and Racing relying on quick counterattacks. Arrascaeta hit the post in the first half, while Rossi made a crucial save on a Solari shot. In the second half, tactical substitutions and Bruno Henrique’s entry shifted the momentum, leading to Carrascal’s goal.
- Result: Flamengo 1 x 0 Racing, at Maracanã.
- Goal: Carrascal, 42nd minute of the second half.
- Attendance: 71,738 fans.
- Return leg: Racing x Flamengo, in Avellaneda, next week.
Hard-fought match at Maracanã
Flamengo dominated possession in the first half but struggled to break through Racing’s defense. Arrascaeta and Pedro created chances but were denied by Cambeses.
In the second half, the pace intensified, with dangerous moves from both sides. Carrascal’s goal came from a rebound in the box, sealing Flamengo’s victory.
Standout performances
Carrascal was the match’s standout, with constant movement and the winning goal. The Colombian capitalized on Bruno Henrique’s play.
Bruno Henrique, coming off the bench, added speed and set up the decisive move. Cambeses, Racing’s goalkeeper, prevented a larger scoreline with key saves.
Tense moments
The match saw rough challenges, like a clash between Sosa and Pulgar, leaving the Argentine with a bloody nose. Yellow cards were issued to Zuculini, Sosa, and Ayrton Lucas.
GOL DO CARRASCAL!
ATÉ O FIM, PORRA!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/O6DFKAkN6e
— Fla Galaxy (@FlaGalaxy) October 23, 2025
A Samuel Lino goal was disallowed by VAR for offside, sparking protests. Pedro, dealing with wrist pain, continued after treatment.
Jesús Valenzuela’s refereeing drew criticism from Racing, particularly over a disallowed goal due to a Sosa foul. Seven minutes of stoppage time closed the game.
Tactics and substitutions
Filipe Luís bolstered the attack with Plata, Samuel Lino, and Bruno Henrique, who shifted the game’s dynamic. Racing responded with Zaracho and Balboa but failed to equalize.
Flamengo’s defense, led by Léo Pereira and Danilo, neutralized Racing’s attacks. Racing relied on transitions but struggled against the tight marking.
Crowd’s impact
Flamengo’s fans packed Maracanã, displaying a “Fé no Mengo” mosaic. The 71,738 attendance was the highest in the 2025 Libertadores, per Conmebol.
Path to the final
Flamengo carries a 1-0 lead into the return leg in Avellaneda. A draw will secure their spot, while Racing needs a two-goal win or a one-goal victory to force penalties.
