The 2025 CONMEBOL Recopa Sudamericana was an exciting clash between the kings of South American club football. This annual event, held for the 33rd time, pits the reigning champions of the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana against each other. It’s a true test of continental supremacy. The tournament is organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), the governing body for football in South America.
The 2025 edition saw Brazil’s São Paulo FC, winners of the 2024 Copa Libertadores, face off against Colombia’s Millonarios, champions of the 2024 Copa Sudamericana. The excitement was palpable as these two giants of South American football prepared to battle for the prestigious Recopa title.
A Two-Legged Showdown
The Recopa Sudamericana is contested over two legs, with the Copa Libertadores champions hosting the second match. The first leg took place on February 18th, 2025, at the iconic Estádio do Morumbi in São Paulo. The second leg was held at the historic Estadio El Campín in Bogotá, Colombia, on February 25th, 2025.
It was a nail-biting affair, a true testament to the passion and skill of South American football. The atmosphere at both stadiums was electric, with fans cheering on their teams with unwavering enthusiasm.
São Paulo Claims Victory
In the end, it was São Paulo FC that emerged victorious, claiming their third Recopa Sudamericana title. They won the two-legged series 4-2 on aggregate, a testament to their resilience and determination. The first leg saw São Paulo triumph over Millonarios by a score of 3-2. Although Millonarios managed to win the second leg 1-0, it was not enough to overturn the deficit.
A Close Contest: The Rules of the Recopa
The Recopa Sudamericana is a fiercely contested tournament, where every detail matters. If the aggregate score is tied after the two legs, the game doesn’t end there. The away goals rule doesn’t apply in this scenario. Instead, the teams battle it out in a thrilling 30-minute extra time period. And if the score remains tied after extra time, the drama reaches its peak as the fate of the championship is decided in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. This is exactly what the Recopa regulations, specifically Article 17, dictate.
The 2025 Recopa Sudamericana showcased the very best of South American club football. It was a tournament filled with passion, skill, and excitement. São Paulo FC emerged as the deserving champions, adding another chapter to their already illustrious history.
