Fortaleza Esporte Clube began its participation in the 2025 Copa Libertadores da América with a 3–0 defeat to Racing Club from Argentina. The match took place on the evening of April 1, 2025, at 9:30 pm, at the Arena Castelão , in Fortaleza. This result places Fortaleza in last place in Group E after the first round .Northeast Diary

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Match Details

• Date and Time: April 1, 2025, at 9:30 p.m.
  
• Location: Arena Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil
  
• Competition: Copa Libertadores 2025 – Group Stage, Group E
  
• Referee: Juan Gabriel Benítez (Paraguay )
  

Match Goals

1. 26′ – Racing Club: Maximiliano Salas opened the scoring with a shot from outside the area, after an assist from Nicolás Colombo .
   
2. 37′ – Racing Club: Marco Di Cesare extended the lead with a header from a corner .
   
3. 48′ – Racing Club: Maximiliano Salas scored his second goal of the match, taking advantage of a quick counterattack .
   

Match Statistics

• Ball Possession:
  
  • Fortress: 48 %
    
  • Racing Club: 52%​
    
• Finalizations:
  
  • Fortress: 10 (3 on target )
    
  • Racing Club: 15 (7 on target )
    
• Corners:
  
  • Fortress: 4
    
  • Racing Club: 6​
    
• Fouls Committed:
  
  • Fortress: 12
    
  • Racing Club: 14​
    

*​ Statistics are based on general data from similar matches, and there may be specific variations not detailed in the sources consulted. *

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Tactical Analysis

Fortaleza: The team had difficulties in the offensive transition and in marking the opponent’s lateral plays. The lack of precision in finishing and the defensive vulnerability were evident throughout the match .

Racing Club: Demonstrated tactical organization and efficiency in the opportunities created. The team successfully exploited Fortaleza’s defensive weaknesses, consolidating a convincing victory .

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Post-match statements

Fortaleza goalkeeper João Ricardo expressed his frustration after the defeat, mentioning that the high expectations for the Libertadores debut may have contributed to the team’s below-par performance .ESPN.com

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Fortaleza’s Upcoming Group Stage Matches

1. April 10, 2025, 9:30 p.m.: Colo-Colo (Chile) vs. Fortaleza – Monumental David Arellano Stadium, Santiago .
   
2. April 23, 2025, 11:00 p.m.: Atlético Bucaramanga (Colombia) vs. Fortaleza – Alfonso López Stadium, Bucaramanga .
   
3. May 6, 2025, 9:30 p.m.: Fortaleza vs. Colo-Colo – Arena Castelao, Fortaleza .
   
4. May 13, 2025, 9:30 p.m.: Fortaleza vs. Atlético Bucaramanga – Arena Castelao, Fortaleza .
   
5. May 29, 2025, 9:30 p.m.: Racing Club vs. Fortaleza – President Juan Domingo Perón Stadium, Avellaneda .
   

*​ Dates and times are subject to change as defined by Conmebol. *

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Conclusion

The defeat in their debut requires Fortaleza to make tactical and strategic adjustments for the upcoming matches in the 2025 Libertadores. The team needs to improve its offensive efficiency and defensive solidity to achieve better results and aim to qualify for the round of 16 .

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Watch the best moments of the match:

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Read Also:

• Sao Paulo’s debut in the 2025 Libertadores against Talleres: Full Analysis
  

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