Following closely contested first-leg matches in the semifinals of the 2025 Copa Sudamericana, Atlético Mineiro and Lanús are poised to claim the final spots. Both teams will have the advantage of playing at home in the return matches this week.
Semifinal Match Preview
Atlético Mineiro, managed by Jorge Sampaoli, secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Independiente del Valle on Tuesday in Quito. Dudu scored the equalizer in injury time, showcasing the team’s resilience. Meanwhile, Lanús, who played last Thursday at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, missed a chance to seal their final spot. Although they led 2-0 at halftime, they ended up drawing 2-2 with Universidad de Chile after conceding a late penalty goal by captain Charles Aránguiz.
Upcoming Matches
- Ajax Mineiro will host Independiente del Valle on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte.
- Lanús will face Universidad de Chile on Thursday in their home ground at Estadio Ciudad de Lanús.
The final of the Copa Sudamericana is scheduled for November 22 in Asunción. This prestigious title not only enhances a club’s reputation but also provides a ticket to the group stage of the 2026 Copa Libertadores and the 2026 Recopa Sudamericana.
Atlético Mineiro’s Quest for Redemption
Currently sitting in 13th place in the Brazilian league, Atlético Mineiro aims to secure a trophy to avoid a disappointing season. They have never reached this stage in the Copa Sudamericana and their best performance was in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals. A win in this tournament would greatly improve their standing and provide a much-needed boost.
In his analysis, Sampaoli acknowledged the challenge: “We need to play an extremely balanced match, as our opponent is at the top of Ecuadorian football, performing well as visitors.”
Independiente del Valle’s Track Record
The Ecuadorian team, a two-time Sudamericana champion in 2019 and 2022, proved their mettle in the quarter-finals, overcoming Once Caldas after a dramatic penalty shootout. Coach Javier Rabanal expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete, stating, “We will play toe-to-toe and compete for possession to find pathways to score.”
Lanús vs. Universidad de Chile
In the other semifinal, Lanús, which won the Sudamericana in 2013, was unable to finalize their passage despite a strong first half. They had two early goals from Rodrigo Castillo, but could not secure a victory. Universidad de Chile managed to level the score through Lucas Di Yorio and a last-minute penalty from Aránguiz.
Return Match Context
The decisive return match on Thursday marks an opportunity for Lanús to secure their spot in the final. Coach Mauricio Pellegrino emphasized the importance of home advantage: “The tie is open, and the rematch will be difficult. But we will have our fans behind us.”
Unfortunately, Universidad de Chile will again face the absence of their supporters due to a sanction imposed by Conmebol, restricting fan attendance for 14 international matches following violent incidents during a previous game.
As both semifinals unfold, the determination of these four teams sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Copa Sudamericana 2025.
