Vélez Sarsfield fell to a 0-1 defeat at home against Racing Club de Avellaneda in the first leg of their CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores tie on September 17, 2025. This result at the Estadio José Amalfitani gave the visiting Racing a significant away-goal advantage. The match was characterized by disciplined defensive structures from both sides, with the breakthrough arriving against the run of play. Racing capitalized on a defensive error in the Vélez midfield, launching a swift counter-attack that was finished clinically. Vélez dominated possession for large periods but struggled to break down a resolute Racing backline, with their best chance coming from a long-range effort that struck the post. The defeat left Vélez manager frustrated, needing a win with goals in the return leg to keep their continental campaign alive.