With one round left in the 2025 Copa Libertadores group stage, only eight of the 16 spots in the knockout rounds have been claimed.
That leaves plenty of high-stakes matches on the horizon—and major implications for teams hoping to avoid a drop into the Copa Sudamericana.
Here’s a full breakdown of the state of play heading into a blockbuster final matchday across all eight groups.
Group A: Everything Still to Play For
This is the only group where no team has yet secured qualification. Universidad de Chile leads the way with 10 points, but Estudiantes (9 points, +4 GD) and Botafogo (9 points, +2 GD) are hot on their heels.
Estudiantes are expected to claim a home win over eliminated Carabobo, which would send them through. Meanwhile, the biggest clash of the group pits defending champions Botafogo against group leaders "U" de Chile in Rio. A win for the Brazilians would punch their ticket to the next round and potentially eliminate the Chileans altogether.
Group B: River Dominates, the Rest Scramble
River Plate has already sealed top spot thanks to a stunning 6-2 win over Independiente del Valle. Universitario sits second with 7 points, while Independiente (5 points) and Barcelona SC (4 points) are still in the mix.
Barcelona needs a win in the Ecuadorian "Clásico" against Independiente and will also hope River beats Universitario by two or more goals. It's a tightrope for all involved—expect twists until the final whistle.
Group C: A Potential Three-Way Tie
No group is more balanced than this one. Central Córdoba (11 points, +5 GD) leads, with Flamengo (+2 GD) and LDU Quito (+1 GD) both on 8 points.
Flamengo should be confident hosting winless Deportivo Táchira. LDU faces a much tougher task against Córdoba. If both Flamengo and LDU win, all three teams will finish on 11 points and goal difference will decide who stays in the Libertadores—and who drops to the Sudamericana.
Group D: Sao Paulo and Libertad Are In
The two qualification spots are locked, but the final rankings remain to be decided. Sao Paulo leads with 11 points and a superior goal difference (+5), while Libertad is second with 8 (+1).
The Brazilians are likely to stay top as they face last-placed Talleres at home. Libertad will host Alianza Lima, who could still sneak into third and continue their continental journey via the Copa Sudamericana.
Group E: One Spot, Two Teams
Racing Club is already through, but the battle for second is intense. Fortaleza (8 points) visits Racing in Buenos Aires, while Atlético Bucaramanga (6 points) travels to Chile to face eliminated Colo Colo.
A Fortaleza draw could be enough if Bucaramanga fails to win, but if both challengers win, it may come down to goal difference.
Group F: All Eyes on the Brazilian Derby
Atlético Nacional (9 points) is through, but still competing for first place. They’ll visit already-eliminated Club Nacional in Montevideo.
The crucial matchup is the Brazilian derby: Internacional (8 points) hosts Bahia (7 points). Winner moves on; loser drops to the Copa Sudamericana. A draw could benefit Internacional—if Atlético Nacional lose. It’s a group with fine margins and fierce rivals.
Group G: Palmeiras Perfect, One Spot Left
Palmeiras have been unstoppable, winning all five games and locking up first place with ease. Cerro Porteño (7 points) and Sporting Cristal (4 points) are left fighting for second.
Palmeiras host Sporting Cristal, and anything less than a win eliminates the Peruvians. Meanwhile, Cerro Porteño face Bolívar and will go through with a win or even a draw if Cristal fails to pull off a miracle.
Group H: Duel for Top Spot
Qualification is settled—Vélez Sarsfield and Peñarol are through with 10 points apiece—but top spot is still on the line. The two will meet in Montevideo in a winner-takes-top clash.
Third-placed San Antonio Bulo Bulo will continue their continental adventure in the Copa Sudamericana. Their final game against Olimpia is a mere formality.
Final Thoughts
As the group stage nears its conclusion, the Libertadores continues to deliver tension, spectacle, and high-quality football. With only eight tickets to the Round of 16 still available, the final matchday promises fireworks across South America.
Who will rise, and who will fall into the Copa Sudamericana? All will be revealed soon.
Only eight teams are through as the Copa Libertadores group stage nears its end. Here's what’s at stake ahead of a decisive final round.