Lanús and Atlético Mineiro are set to meet in the Copa Sudamericana final, with both teams aiming for glory. This exciting encounter will take place at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asunción on Saturday.
Lanús Aims for Second Title
Lanús seeks its second Copa Sudamericana title, having previously won in 2013. A victory would elevate them among the top teams in the tournament’s history.
- Current champions with the most titles include Liga de Quito, Boca Juniors, Independiente, Athletico Paranaense, and Independiente del Valle, each with two titles.
Previous Journey to the Final
Lanús reached the final after a series of strong performances:
- Defeated Universidad de Chile with a 3-2 aggregate score.
- Saw off Fluminense, winning 2-1 at the Maracanã in the quarterfinals.
- Advanced past Central Córdoba via penalties in the Round of 16.
Key Players for Lanús
Eduardo Salvio, an influential midfielder, emphasized the team’s desire to win. He noted, “We are one step away, but have not won anything yet.” Another standout is forward Rodrigo Castillo, who scored crucial goals against Universidad de Chile.
Atlético Mineiro Seeks First Title
On the other hand, Atlético Mineiro aims for its first Copa Sudamericana trophy. The Brazilian team hopes to redeem its previous loss in last year’s Copa Libertadores final.
Path to the Final
Mineiro advanced by defeating:
- Independiente del Valle (4-2 on aggregate).
- Bolívar (3-2).
- Godoy Cruz (3-1).
Star Players of Atlético Mineiro
Hulk has been a key figure, recently achieving 500 career goals. He stated, “This is a decisive match, a life-or-death situation.” The team also relies on the attacking prowess of Dudu and the creativity from Gustavo Scarpa.
Significance of the Final
The winner of this final will earn a spot in the group stage of the 2026 Copa Libertadores and receive a substantial $6.5 million prize. The runner-up will take home $2 million, making this match not only a quest for honor but also a lucrative opportunity for both clubs.
With both teams in excellent form and fans eagerly awaiting the match, the Copa Sudamericana final promises to be a thrilling event.
