Velez Sarsfield vs Fortaleza Prediction: The game result could go either way

Velez Sarsfield vs Fortaleza: Prediction and odds on the Match on 20 August 2025

Vélez Sarsfield hosts Fortaleza in the decisive second leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025 Round of 16 at Estadio José Amalfitani, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg at Castelão. Vélez, coming off a 2-1 victory against Independiente in the Argentine Primera División, is looking to leverage its home strength and secure qualification to the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores after a three-year absence from the prestigious competition. Fortaleza, on the other hand, travels to Argentina following a 2-1 defeat to Fluminense in the Brasileirão over the weekend. The outcome of this game is crucial to the teams, and we are excited about the outcome. A tough encounter is expected, with both teams being possible to find the net. Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

Velez Sarsfield: form and statistics

Form in all competitions: WDLDD

El Fortin comrades have been up and running in this competition, with just one defeat so far in the Copa Libertadores. They finished Group E at the top with 3 wins, 2 draws, and a single loss, scoring the most goals in the group. They faced Fortaleza in the first leg of the round of 16 last week in a game that had them overpowered. The game was a very cagey one, with Sarsfield having only one big chance created, and a total of three shots on target from a total of 13 shots played. The game eventually ended in a goalless draw.

Guillermo Schelotto’s men have been a bit inconsistent in the Liga Profesional Clausura with two wins, two draws, and a single loss. Their last domestic game was against Independiente, and it ended in a 2-1 victory for Velez Sarsfield with Godoy and Romero finding the net. Before that victory over the weekend, Velez Sarsfield lost to San Lorenzo by a narrow 1-0 scoreline. Velez Sarsfield is currently 3rd placed in the Clausura with two wins, 2 draws, and a loss from the five games played. 

Velez Sarsfield: Lineup

The hosts are known for their attacking style of play, even though they can be vulnerable at the back. Coach Guillermo Schelotto will rely so much on the service of Maher Carrizo to produce moments of excitement in this game. The 19-year-old winger already has four goals in this competition. 

🔖 Velez Sarsfield probable starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

Tomás Marchiori - Elias Gomez, Emmanuel Mammana, Lisandro Magallan, Jano Gordom, — Claudio Baeza, Rodrigo Aliendro – Matias Pellegrini, Tomas Galvan, Maher Carrizo — Braian Romero

👤 Head coach: Guillermo Schelotto

Fortaleza: form and statistics

Form in all competitions: LDLDL

Fortaleza has big ambitions in this year’s Copa Libertadores, but their domestic form tells a different story. They currently sit 19th in the league, just five points above the last team at the bottom of the league table, with just 15 points so far in the Brasileirao. Their most recent outing was nothing short of a disaster, a 2-1 defeat to Fluminense immediately after that 5-0 crushing defeat to Botafogo two weeks ago. This defeat was only a part of the terrible form that Fortaleza has had in their last 9 league games.

Before that loss, Fortaleza had already been struggling, managing just one win in their last nine league matches. Manager Renato Paiva now faces mounting pressure to turn things around, as his trademark “massive attack, massive defense” approach hasn’t been delivering results in the Brasileiro.

The situation is becoming alarming for the team. While their league survival is in jeopardy, their focus on the Copa Libertadores remains strong. It’s a risky choice to prioritize the continental competition over domestic stability, but for Renato Peiva, it might just be the only path to a good season. They managed to salvage a draw in their first leg against Velez Sarsfield. They had the most possession in that game, but failed to create big chances on goal.

Fortaleza: Probable Lineup

Fortaleza: Lineup

The team is faced with a lot of injuries, but this isn’t the only cause of their recent failures. Benjamin Kuscevic also joined the long list of injuries Fortaleza is suffering from after being subbed off in the first half of their goalless draw against Velez Sarsfield.

🔖 Fortaleza probable starting lineup (4-3-3)

Helton Leite Silvestre – Mancuso, Emmanuel Britez, Gastón Ávila, Diogo Barbosa – Lucas Sasha, Emmanuel Martinez, Lucca Prior – Marinho, Deyverson, Breno Lopes

⛔️ Out: João Ricardo, Brenno, Moisés, Brítez, Pochettino, Benjamin Kuscevic (injured)

👤 Head coach: Renato Peiva

Velez Sarsfield vs Fortaleza: head to head statistics

The teams have met four times, with both teams winning a game each and 2 draws. Botafogo has the home advantage heading into this game, and the odds are in their favor. 

Velez Sarsfield vs Fortaleza: Betting Tips & Odds

• The teams are not in their best form, and the option for a draw in this game is offered on the 1xBet bookmaker website for odds of 3.22;
• There have been fewer than 10.5 corners in 5 of Fortaleza's last 7 games, and this option is available on the Betway bookmaker website at 1.43 odds;
• Some experts believe that Fortaleza will win, and this option is offered in the Bet365 bookmaker at 4.60 odds;

Velez Sarsfield vs Fortaleza match prediction 20 August 2025

A closer look at both teams shows a big contrast in momentum. Velez Sarsfield appears to be in a much better form when compared to Fortaleza. It continues to go from bad to worse for Fortaleza, as the long list of injuries continues to plague the team. Fortaleza will try to defend this game and head it into extra-time, but the hosts will aim to finish it off in 90 minutes. A cagey first half is still expected, but I am inclined to believe that Velez Sarsfield will score the first goal of the game. I also believe that Velez Sarsfield will make it to the quarterfinals, given the poor form of their opponents, Fortaleza.

Our match prediction is a home corner win, and a total of over 6.5 corners for a coefficient of 1.74 in the 1xBet bookmaker.

Our betting tip on the match is a home win for a coefficient of 1.88 in the Betway bookmaker.

Lastly, A half-time draw for 1.93 odds in the Bet365 bookmaker.