Asunción, Paraguay will host Saturday’s Copa Sudamericana final, as Argentine side Lanús and Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro vie for continental glory and a guaranteed spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. [[1]] Approximately 15,000 Lanús fans are expected to travel to the Estadio Defensores del Chaco to support their team, setting the stage for a vibrant atmosphere as both clubs aim for their second Sudamericana title. [[2]] The match, slated for a 5:00 PM local kickoff, promises a compelling clash of tactical approaches under the guidance of Mauricio Pellegrino and Jorge Sampaoli, respectively. [[3]]
Lanús and Atlético Mineiro of Brazil will battle for South American supremacy this Saturday in the Copa Sudamericana final, hosted at Estadio Defensores del Chacho in Asunción, Paraguay. Approximately 15,000 Lanús supporters are expected to make the trip to cheer on their team.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM local time and will be broadcast live on ESPN, Disney+, and DSports. Chilean referee Piero Maza will oversee the contest, with compatriot Juan Lara on VAR duty.
Lanús, coached by Mauricio Pellegrino, topped their group with a strong 12-point performance, finishing ahead of Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, Peruvian team Melgar, and Venezuela’s Puerto Cabello. The Copa Sudamericana is a key continental competition, offering a direct pathway to the prestigious Copa Libertadores.
The Argentine club navigated a challenging knockout stage, defeating Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero (1-1 on aggregate, 4-2 on penalties), Fluminense of Brazil (2-1), and Universidad de Chile (3-2) to reach the final.
A victory would see Lanús claim their second Copa Sudamericana title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2013 under the guidance of Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Atlético Mineiro, led by Jorge Sampaoli, has undergone a remarkable transformation since the Argentine manager took charge less than three months ago.
The Brazilian side finished second in their group behind Cienciano of Peru, forcing them to compete in the Round of 16. They then dispatched Atlético Bucaramanga of Colombia on penalties before overcoming Godoy Cruz (3-1) in the Round of Eight, Bolívar of Bolivia (3-2) in the Quarter-Finals, and Independiente del Valle of Ecuador (4-2) in the Semi-Finals.
Atlético Mineiro are seeking their first-ever Copa Sudamericana title, a feat that would mark a significant achievement for Sampaoli and the club.
Probable Lineups
Lanús: Nahuel Losada; Gonzalo Pérez, Carlos Izquierdos, José Canale, Sasha Marcich; Agustín Medina, Agustín Cardozo; Eduardo Salvio, Marcelino Moreno, Ramiro Correa; Rodrigo Castillo. DT: Mauricio Pellegrino.
Atlético Mineiro: Everson; Renzo Saravia, Vitor Hugo, Ruan Tressoldi; Rony, Igor Gomes, Fausto Vera, Guilherme Arana; Bernard, Hulk and Dudu. DT: Jorge Sampaoli.
Match Details
Stadium: Defensores del Chaco
Referee: Piero Maza (Chi)
VAR: Juan Lara (Chi)
Time: 5:00 PM
TV: ESPN, Disney+ and DSports
