- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 24 Sep, 2025
Match Overview
When the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinal kicked off at Rio’s legendary Estádio do Maracanã on September 23, 2025, the atmosphere was electric. Fluminense, backed by a sea of white and green, knew they had to win by at least two goals to overturn the 1‑0 loss they suffered in Argentina three weeks earlier. The fans were vocal, the lights were blinding, and the stakes could not have been higher.
Early on, the home side seemed to have found the breakthrough they needed. In the 20th minute, Agustín Canobbio slipped past a tired defense and parked the ball in the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The goal gave Fluminense a lifeline and forced Lanús into a defensive scramble. For a while, it looked as if the Brazilian giants might rally and force extra time.
But Lanús, under Mauricio Pellegrino, had a game plan that hinged on discipline and a single, decisive counter‑attack. Their midfield, anchored by the composure of seasoned veterans, kept pressuring Fluminense’s backline, waiting for the moment to strike. That moment arrived in the 67th minute when 20‑year‑old Dylan Aquino, a relatively unknown name outside Argentine circles, collected a loose ball outside the box, turned sharply, and fired a low drive into the bottom corner. The goal not only equalised the match but also restored the Argentine side’s aggregate lead to 2‑1, meaning Fluminense now needed two more tallies.
As the clock ticked, Fluminense pushed forward, but Lanús’s defence held firm. A heart‑stopping incident occurred when Germán Cano’s header rattled the crossbar, prompting a collective gasp from the stadium. The missed opportunity epitomised the frustration that would haunt the Brazilian side for the remainder of the night.
Implications and Aftermath
The drama didn’t end at the final whistle. Midway through the second half, a scuffle erupted in the stands between Lanús supporters and local police. The clash forced officials to temporarily suspend play while security cleared the area and restored order. The interruption added a layer of tension that mirrored the on‑field battle and reminded everyone that South American football can be as volatile off the pitch as it is on it.
For Renato Gaúcho, the loss was a bitter pill. His team had displayed flashes of brilliance in the domestic league, most recently a 1‑0 win over Vitória that highlighted their attacking potential. Yet, against a well‑organised Lanús side, Fluminense’s creative spark sputtered. The inability to break down a compact defence, combined with a few missed chances, ultimately sealed their destiny in the tournament.
Lanús, on the other hand, celebrated a historic achievement. Advancing to the semifinals marked one of the club’s deepest runs in a continental competition. Pellegrino’s tactical approach—focus on a solid backline, quick transitions, and exploiting set‑piece opportunities—proved effective against a heavyweight opponent. The young Aquino, now a hero in Buenos Aires, will be looking at interest from bigger clubs, but his loyalty to the squad will be a talking point as they prepare for the next round.
Looking ahead, Lanús will face a new challenger in the semifinal, a matchup that promises another clash of styles and tactics. Their confidence will be high, but the road ahead is still long; any slip could see their dream of South American glory evaporate. Fluminense must regroup quickly, refocus on their Série A campaign, and start planning for next season’s continental aspirations.
In the broader picture, the tie illustrated why the Copa Sudamericana remains one of the most unpredictable tournaments on the continent. A young midfielder’s goal, a fan disturbance, and a nail‑biting finish—all within a single night—remind fans that football in South America is never short on drama. The story of Lanús’s advancement will be replayed across barrooms and living rooms for weeks, serving as both a cautionary tale for the defeated and an inspiring chapter for the victors.