Background on the Copa Libertadores Final Format Change
Since 2019, the Copa Libertadores final has been played as a single match in a neutral venue. This change was implemented to create a more unified and exciting experience for football fans across South America.
Lima Wins the Race for Hosting the 2025 Final
On Monday, Alejandro Domínguez, President of Conmebol (the South American football governing body), announced that Lima, Peru, will host the single-match Copa Libertadores final on November 29, 2025.
“We will gather on November 29 to experience together another edition of the ‘Gloria Eterna’ (Eternal Glory),” Domínguez expressed on social media, inviting football enthusiasts to the Peruvian capital.
Although Domínguez did not specify the exact stadium that will host the match for South America’s premier club tournament, a Conmebol source informed AFP that the Monumental Stadium in Lima is the likely venue.
Lima Outcompetes Other Cities for the Hosting Rights
Lima secured the hosting rights over other contenders, including Brasilia’s Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha and Uruguay’s Estadio Centenario.
Domínguez mentioned last year that Montevideo was also in the running for hosting the 2025 final.
History of Neutral Venue Finals
The single-match final format for the Copa Libertadores began in 2019 at Lima’s Estadio Monumental, where Brazil’s Flamengo defeated Argentina’s River Plate 2-1 to claim their second continental title.
Previously, the final was contested over two legs at the home grounds of the participating teams.
Since adopting the neutral venue format, the Copa Libertadores final has been held in Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Guayaquil, and Buenos Aires.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Alejandro Domínguez? Alejandro Domínguez is the President of Conmebol, the South American football confederation.
- Why is Lima hosting the 2025 Copa Libertadores final? Lima won the competition to host the match over other cities, including Brasilia and Montevideo, due to its successful bid and the availability of the Monumental Stadium.
- What is the significance of the single-match final format? The single-match final format was introduced in 2019 to create a more unified and exciting experience for football fans across South America, ensuring a neutral venue for the prestigious tournament.
