Match Overview
There was a buzz at Estadio Ciudad de Lanús on September 16, 2025, as over 35,000 fans packed the stadium for the Copa Sudamericana quarter‑final first leg. The Argentine side Lanús went into the match with a thin line‑up – five players were sidelined with injuries – but the crowd’s energy did not waver. Late in the game, Marcelino Moreno slipped the ball past Fluminense’s keeper in the 89th minute, sealing a 1‑0 triumph.
Statistically, the game was tighter than the score suggested. Lanús held 52% of possession and fired 11 shots, four of which hit the target. Fluminense managed six attempts, with just one on goal. Corners also favored the hosts, 5 to 3, while both teams picked up three yellow cards each, reflecting the contest’s physical nature.
- Key Lanús injuries: Felipe Peña Biafore, Ramiro Carrera, Raúl Loaiza, Ronaldo Dejesus, and one unnamed midfielder.
- Fluminense’s absences: Ganso (calf) and questionable status for Nonato (right foot).
Despite the setbacks, Mauricio Pellegrino’s squad mixed seasoned veterans with academy prospects, showing that depth can compensate for missing stars. The Argentine side’s fourth‑place standing in their league group (13 points) proved that consistency at home can translate into continental success.
Looking Ahead to the Return Leg
The second leg will be played at the iconic Maracanã, where Fluminense will need to overturn the one‑goal deficit. Their recent form in the Copa Sudamericana was impressive – a 12‑match unbeaten streak with ten wins and two draws – but their domestic run in the Brasileirão has been shaky, sitting eighth after two wins, one draw, and two losses in the last five games.
Fluminense’s game plan will likely revolve around Lucho Acosta creating chances, especially with Ganso out of the picture. They’ll also depend on their defensive solidity to keep the scoreline close, hoping a single goal will level the tie and push the match into extra time.
For Lanús, the strategy is about balance. They can afford a disciplined defensive display, absorbing pressure while looking to strike on the counter‑attack. A draw would see them through, but a goal would give a comfortable cushion heading into the semi‑finals.
Fans on both sides are already talking about the narrative: a resilient Argentine side overcoming injury woes versus a Brazilian outfit trying to regain its tournament mojo. The atmosphere at the Maracanã promises to be electric, and the tactical chess match between Pellegrino and Fluminense’s coach will be the story to watch.
Regardless of the outcome, the first leg has set the stage for a thrilling showdown. Lanús, buoyed by Moreno’s late heroics, will aim to ride that momentum, while Fluminense will look to rewrite the script in front of a home crowd hungry for redemption.
Prince Fajardo
September 24, 2025 AT 19:06 PMWow, Lanús pulling a last‑minute miracle again? Marcelino just waltzed in, kissed the ball, and dumped it into the net like it’s a Hollywood climax.
Subhashree Das
September 28, 2025 AT 08:36 AMThe statistics tell a clear story: Lanús dominated possession and shots, yet Fluminense’s defense looked like a sieve. Their inability to convert odds into goals is a symptom of a deeper tactical vacuum that will explode at the Maracanã.
jitendra vishwakarma
October 1, 2025 AT 22:06 PMi think lanus got lucky but they played decently overall.
Ira Indeikina
October 5, 2025 AT 11:36 AMIn the grand chessboard of South American football, every piece matters, and Lanús just proved that depth can outweigh star power. While the injuries could have crippled them, they instead forged a collective spirit that is almost philosophical. Fluminense, on the other hand, seems caught in a paradox of form – unstoppable in the tournament yet stumbling domestically. This duality will test their resolve when the crowd roars at the Maracanã. If they can harness that internal conflict, the tide could turn in their favor.
Shashikiran R
October 9, 2025 AT 01:06 AMFluminense's excuses are just pathetic whining.
SURAJ ASHISH
October 12, 2025 AT 14:36 PMAnother overhyped Brazilian side, overrated as always.
PARVINDER DHILLON
October 16, 2025 AT 04:06 AMEveryone’s entitled to their view, but let’s keep it civil 😊
Nilanjan Banerjee
October 19, 2025 AT 17:36 PMOne must admire the theatricality of Lanús’s late strike; it epitomizes the very essence of football as a narrative art, where every minute breathes suspense.
sri surahno
October 23, 2025 AT 07:06 AMDo not be fooled by the surface drama – hidden leagues of power brokers manipulate such outcomes behind the scenes, ensuring narratives that serve their interests.
Varun Kumar
October 26, 2025 AT 20:36 PMFluminense will crumble under pressure, just as their federation’s corrupt agenda predicts.
Madhu Murthi
October 30, 2025 AT 10:06 AMStop the propaganda, fans! The real story is the passion of our Brazilian blood 💥🇧🇷
Amrinder Kahlon
November 2, 2025 AT 23:36 PMYeah, because a goal in the 89th minute totally changes the tactics for the whole season.
Abhay patil
November 6, 2025 AT 13:06 PMLet’s keep the hype positive we all need the excitement and good vibes
Amber Brewer
November 10, 2025 AT 02:36 AMLanús’s 1‑0 win, while seemingly narrow, carries a multitude of tactical implications. Firstly, the possession advantage (52 %) indicates that Pellegrino’s side was comfortable on the ball despite missing five key players. Their eight shots, four on target, illustrate a cautious approach, opting for quality chances over sheer volume. Moreno’s late strike is a classic counter‑attack finish, suggesting that Lanús were sitting deep, inviting Fluminense forward before exploiting space. In contrast, Fluminense’s six attempts, with only one on goal, reveal a lack of penetration, possibly due to the absence of Ganso who usually operates as a creative hub. The five corners earned by Lanús also signal that they were able to generate pressure from set‑pieces, an area often overlooked in quick‑transition games.
From a defensive perspective, both sides received three yellow cards, showing a physically engaged match without excessive foul play. The injuries listed for Lanús – Peña Biafore, Carrera, Loaiza, Dejesus and an unnamed midfielder – could have forced a shift to a more compact, defensive formation, perhaps a 4‑5‑1, to maintain structural integrity. Fluminense’s “questionable” status of Nonato also hints at potential vulnerability on the right flank, which Lanús might have targeted strategically.
Looking ahead, the second leg at the Maracanã reintroduces a massive home advantage for Fluminense. Their recent 12‑match unbeaten streak in the competition demonstrates resilience, yet domestic inconsistency suggests they may be vulnerable under pressure. If they can replicate their continental form, they’ll likely adopt an aggressive 4‑3‑3, seeking to press high and create overloads on the wings. However, Lanús’s ability to absorb pressure and strike on the break could make the tie a tactical duel where precision outweighs possession.
In summary, the first leg showcased Lanús’s tactical discipline and depth, while exposing Fluminense’s reliance on key playmakers. The return fixture promises a classic South‑American showdown: a strategically patient Argentine side versus an exuberant Brazilian side eager to overturn the deficit.
Kim Coulter
November 13, 2025 AT 16:06 PMThe narrative of the underdog triumph is nothing new, yet Lanús’s disciplined approach gives it a philosophical edge; football, after all, mirrors the eternal struggle between order and chaos, and tonight order won a fleeting victory.
Michelle Toale-Burke
November 17, 2025 AT 05:36 AMSeeing those fans roar at the stadium just made my heart pound-this is why we love the game! 😭