The draw for the preliminary phase of Libertadores 2025 took place this Thursday (19/12), at the Conmebol headquarters, in Luque, Paraguay. Corinthians met their future opponent.
O Sporting News brings more details about Timão’s rival in the Pre-Libertadores.
MORE: where to watch the games of the day on TV
How is the Central University?
Universidad Central had a good season in Venezuela. There were 38 games, with 16 wins, 15 draws and seven defeats. The team was the leader of the Apertura Tournament overall, in the first half, with 25 points, but ended up in third place in the Apertura Final Quadrangular, being left out of the decision.
In Clausura, in the second semester, they ended up in ninth place, with 19 points won.
Central University in 2024
- 38 games
- 16 wins
- 15 draws
- seven defeats
⭐ The duels from Phase 2 and the crosses from Phase 3 of CONMEBOL 2025!
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@LibertadoresBR)
Who are the highlights of Universidad Central?
Last season, the team’s highlight was Colombian striker Juan Zapata, 30 years old, who scored six goals, being the team’s top scorer alongside fellow striker Charlis Ortiz, this more veteran, 38 years old.
The coach of Universidad Central is Venezuelan Daniel Sasso, 42 years old, who is having his first experience in a professional team. He commanded youth teams, such as La Guaira’s under-17s and Caracas’ under-15s.
What is the history of Universidad Central?
The Venezuelan team was founded in 1950, so it is 74 years old. Universidad Central’s main title is a third title in the Venezuelan Championship, in the 1951, 1953 and 1957 seasons. The team debuts in international competitions in this Libertadores.
MORE: Libertadores 2025: see all classified teams
What are the 2025 Pre-Libertadores games?
First, Conmebol drew the games for Phase 1 of the competition, which features six teams: a representative from Bolivia to be defined, El Nacional (EQU), Nacional (PAR), Alianza Lima (PER), Monagas (VEN) and Defensor Sporting (URU).
The clashes in this phase were as follows:
- Representative of Bolívia (to be defined) x El Nacional-EQU
- Nacional-PAR x Alianza Lima-PER
- Monagas-VEN x Defensor Sporting-URU
Soon after, the games for Phase 2 were defined, involving Corinthians and Bahia. Tricolor de Aço faces the club representing Bolivia, which is still undefined. Corinthians will face Universidad Central (VEN).
The second phase clashes were as follows:
- Deportes Iquique (CHI) x Independiente Santa Fe (COL)
- The Strongest (BOL) x Bahia (BRA)
- Monagas (VEN) ou Defensor Sporting (URU) x Cerro Porteño (PAR)
- Bolivia 1 or El Nacional (EQU) x Barcelona (EQU)
- Universidad Central (VEN) x Corinthians (BRA)
- Representative of Colombia x Melgar (PER)
- Boston River (URU) x Ublense (CHI)
- Nacional (PAR) or Alianza Lima (PER) x Boca Juniors (ARG)
The second phase clashes were as follows:
- C1 x C8
- C2 x C7 (The Strongest (BOL) or Bahia x Boston River (URU) orñublense (CHI)
- C3 x C6
- C4 x C5 (Bolivia 1 or El Nacional (EQU) or Barcelona (EQU) x Universidad Central (VEN) or Corinthians)
When will the games be?
The first phase has the first matches scheduled for the week of February 5th and the return matches on February 12th. The second phase is scheduled to begin the week of February 19th and return the week of February 26th.
Libertadores 2025 dates
| Phase | Draw Date | Ida-Time |
|---|---|---|
| First phase | December 19 | February 5–12 |
| Second phase | February 19–26 | |
| Third phase | March 5–12 | |
| Group stage | March 19 | April 2–May 28 |
| Round of 16 | June 4th | August 13–20 |
| Quarter finals | September 17–24 | |
| Semifinals | October 22–29 | |
| Final | November 29 |
