When Libertad fans logged onto their phones on September 30, 2025, hoping for a late‑stage showdown with São Paulo, they were met with silence – no match had been scheduled. The absence isn’t a glitch; São Paulo were knocked out of the 2025 Copa Libertadores in the Round of 16, making a head‑to‑head impossible.
The official confirmation came from CONMEBOL’s social‑media feed early that morning. It reminded followers that the Brazilian side’s campaign ended on August 6, 2025, after a penalty shoot‑out loss to Athletico Paranaense. With the Round of 16 settled, the tournament’s bracket now only contains clubs still in contention, and Libertad’s next opponent, if any, will come from a different side of the draw.
Timeline of the 2025 Copa Libertadores
To understand why the September 30 date is a non‑event, it helps to walk through the competition’s schedule. The group stage kicked off on April 1, 2025, and ran through May 29, 2025, with each team playing six matches. Libertad’s group featured São Paulo, Alianza Lima and Talleres Córdoba. After a roller‑coaster of two wins, three draws and a single loss, Libertad finished second with five goals conceded in six games, enough to advance.
São Paulo, by contrast, topped the group and entered the knockout phase with confidence. Their Round of 16 first leg was staged at Morumbi Stadium in São Paulo on July 31, 2025. Star forward Wendell opened the scoring in the ninth minute, followed by quick strikes from Pablo Maia and Cédric Soares. The match finished 2‑1 in favor of the hosts, but the aggregate would prove deceptive.
Round of 16: The São Paulo Exit
The return leg on August 6, 2025, took place at the Ligga Arena in Curitiba. A solitary goal from Viveros in the 24th minute forced a 2‑2 tie on aggregate. With extra time producing no further action, the encounter went to penalties. Athletico Paranaense’s keeper held his nerve, and the Brazilian side bowed out 3‑0 in the shoot‑out.
Referees for the two legs – Ramon Abatti Abel in São Paulo and Felipe Fernandes de Lima in Curitiba – oversaw tightly contested games that saw attendance figures of 42,042 and 30,501 respectively. The elimination was a blow not just for São Paulo’s fanbase but also for any upcoming opponent they might have faced, including Libertad.
What This Means for Libertad
Libertad’s journey, while halted at the group stage, still carries significance for Paraguayan football. Their defensive record – only five goals allowed – stood out as one of the tournament’s best. Coach Carlos Gómez (not to be confused with the Brazilian side’s staff) praised the squad’s discipline, noting that the experience gained will be valuable for the upcoming domestic Apertura.
Since the knockout phase now skips São Paulo, Libertad’s next fixture in the Libertadores will depend on how the bracket reshuffles. If the tournament’s organizers opt for a re‑draw – a move not unheard of in South American competitions – Libertad could face a South‑American heavyweight like River Plate or Boca Juniors. As of the latest CONMEBOL bulletin, no such re‑draw has been announced.
Future Schedule and the Road to Lima
The 2025 Copa Libertadores will wrap up with the final on November 29, 2025, at Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru. The tournament’s climax promises a showdown between the survivors of the quarter‑finals – a stage that now excludes both São Paulo and Libertad.
For Paraguayan supporters, the focus shifts back to the local league, where Libertad will aim to defend their Apertura crown earned in June with a club‑record 44 points. Their performance in the Libertadores could spur a springboard for future continental runs, especially if they retain key players like defender Luis Gómez and midfielder Andrés Lara.
Historical Perspective: Libertad’s Continental Track Record
Libertad has a mixed history in South America’s premier club tournament. Their best run came in 2013, when they reached the quarter‑finals before bowing out to Atlético Mineiro. Since then, the club has oscillated between group‑stage exits and occasional knockout‑stage breakthroughs. The 2025 campaign, despite ending early, signaled a defensive upgrade that could pay dividends in 2026.
Meanwhile, São Paulo’s early exit marks a rare misstep for a club that has won the Libertadores three times (1992, 1993, 2005). Their last appearance in the knockout stages was in 2022, when they fell to River Plate in the semifinals. The 2025 loss may trigger internal reviews and potentially spark a reshuffle in the squad ahead of the Brazilian Serie A season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no Libertad vs São Paulo match on September 30?
São Paulo were eliminated in the Round of 16 on August 6, 2025, after losing on penalties to Athletico Paranaense. With the Brazilian side out of the competition, a match against Libertad cannot take place.
When did Libertad last play São Paulo in this tournament?
The two clubs met during the group stage on April 24, 2025, in Asunción. São Paulo won 1‑0, securing three points that helped them top the group.
What is Libertad’s standing after the group stage?
Libertad finished second in Group B with two wins, three draws and one loss, conceding only five goals. Their record earned them a spot in the Round of 16, where they were later eliminated by São Paulo.
Who will host the 2025 Libertadores final?
The final is set for November 29, 2025, at Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru. The venue was chosen by CONMEBOL in March 2025.
How might São Paulo’s early exit affect their upcoming season?
Club officials are expected to review the squad and possibly bring in reinforcements before the Brazilian Serie A starts. The loss also impacts their CONMEBOL coefficient, which could affect future tournament seedings.