The first leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025 Round of 16 between Botafogo (Brazil) and LDU Quito (Ecuador) will take place on August 15 at the Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Botafogo vs. LDU Quito: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Botafogo
The team advanced to the Round of 16 from second place in Group A, having accumulated 12 points and losing the top spot to Estudiantes only on goal difference. As a result, the club has reached the Copa Libertadores playoffs for only the fifth time in its history. Last season, the Brazilians triumphed in this tournament, ultimately winning the trophy after defeating Atletico Mineiro 3-1 in the final. Notably, the team is on a current three-match winning streak in the Copa Libertadores. However, in the last eight matches of this tournament, Botafogo has kept a clean sheet only twice.
During the summer transfer window, midfielder Gregory left the club, while defender Caio, midfielder Danilo dos Santos, and forwards Arthur Cabral and Joaquin Correa joined the team. Additionally, since July, Botafogo has been managed by new head coach Davide Ancelotti.
- The team has not lost in regular time in their last eight home matches in the Copa Libertadores (7 wins, 1 draw).
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of the last 11 home matches in this tournament.
- The Brazilians have kept a clean sheet in regular time in 4 of their last 5 home matches in the Copa Libertadores.
Predicted lineup for Botafogo (4-5-1)
Leonardo Link – Vitinho, David Ricardo, Marsal, Alex Telles – Newton Araujo, Danilo, Leo Artur, Jefferson Savarino, Alvaro Montoro – Arthur Cabral.
LDU Quito
The Ecuadorians finished first in Group C, earning 11 points and ultimately edging out Flamengo and Atletico Central Cordoba only on tiebreakers. Advancing to the Copa Libertadores playoffs is a first for LDU Quito since the 2019/20 season when the team exited at the Round of 16 stage. Over the last seven matches in this tournament, the club has suffered only one defeat (4 wins, 2 draws). Moreover, during this stretch, the Ecuadorians have kept a clean sheet five times.
In the summer, the club parted ways with forward Alex Arce, replacing him with striker Jeyson Medina. The Ecuadorians also appointed a new head coach, Tiago Nunes.
- The team has not won in regular time in 8 of their last 9 away matches in the Copa Libertadores (4 draws, 4 losses).
- Both opponents scored in 7 of the last 9 away matches in this tournament.
- The Ecuadorians have conceded at least two goals in regular time in 7 of their last 9 away matches in the Copa Libertadores.
Predicted lineup for LDU Quito (3-5-2)
Gonzalo Valle – Leonel Quinonez, Kevin Minda, Richard Mina – Daniel de la Cruz, Gabriel Villamil, Fernando Cornejo, Carlos Gruezo, Bryan Ramirez – Lautaro Pastran, Jeyson Medina.
Referee
Wilmar Roldan (Colombia)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 0%.
Match Prediction: Botafogo vs. LDU Quito
In this encounter, I expect to see the Brazilians' superiority—they are the reigning Copa Libertadores champions and are playing at home. At their home ground, Botafogo performs very strongly: in their last eight matches in this tournament, the club has secured seven wins and one draw. Furthermore, during this period, the team failed to breach the opponent's defense at least twice on only two occasions.
LDU Quito often excels in home matches, while on the road, the club regularly faces significant challenges. In their last eight away encounters in the Copa Libertadores, the Ecuadorians have won only once, suffering four defeats. However, the team does not sit back and plays actively forward: in 8 of their last 10 away matches in this tournament, LDU Quito has scored. Nonetheless, they concede a lot: 16 goals in the last nine away matches in the Copa Libertadores.
I anticipate a victory for the hosts and expect to see several goals. My prediction: Home win and total over 1.5 goals
