Lanús Punch Ticket to Copa Sudamericana Semifinals After 1‑1 Maracanã Stalemate

Match Overview

The second leg of the quarter‑final at the legendary Estádio do Maracanã turned into a tense chess match. Lanús already held a 1‑0 advantage after the first game in Argentina, so a draw was enough, but the Brazilian side pressed from the first whistle. In the 20th minute, Fluminense’s Agustín Canobbio slipped the ball past Lanús keeper and gave the home crowd a glimpse of hope.

Lanús didn’t panic. Under Mauricio Pellegrino’s disciplined setup, they stayed compact, forcing Fluminense to work hard for every inch. Possession numbers favored the hosts, but the visitors kept the lines tight and looked dangerous on the break. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when a young rookie, 20‑year‑old Dylan Aquino, timed a run perfectly and slotted a low shot into the bottom corner, silencing the sea of voices in the Maracanã. That goal became the decisive moment, sending the Argentine team into the Copa Sudamericana semifinals.

Fluminense’s attack kept flirting with danger. Veteran striker Germán Cano rose for a header in the 81st minute, only to see the ball smash into the post. The rebound was cleared, but the near‑miss epitomised the frustration of the Brazilian side, who needed two clear‑cut goals to overturn the deficit.

Beyond the goals, the game had a few off‑field flashpoints. Late in the first half, a clash between a group of Lanús supporters and local police sparked a brief stoppage, delaying the start of the second half. The incident was quickly contained, and both teams refocused on the task at hand.

• 20' – Agustín Canobbio (Fluminense) scores first.
• 67' – Dylan Aquino (Lanús) equalises, clinching progression.
• 81' – Germán Cano (Fluminense) hits the post.
• Incidents involving Lanús fans cause a short half‑time delay.

Implications and Next Steps

For Lanús, reaching the semifinals marks a historic moment. The club has never gone beyond this stage in the Copa Sudamericana, and the back‑to‑back solid performances—first a home win, then a resilient away draw—show a side that can punch above its weight. Pellegrino’s tactics, especially the disciplined defensive block and quick counter‑attacks, have paid off. Aquino’s goal not only earned him a spot in the headlines but also signaled the rise of a new generation ready to carry the team forward.

Fluminense, on the other hand, faces a bitter end to what had been a promising continental run. Despite commanding the Maracanã and coming off a strong Série A campaign, they couldn’t create enough quality chances. Senior defender Thiago Silva showed his experience, organizing the back line, while goalkeeper Fábio made several crucial saves, yet the odds were stacked against them after the first‑leg loss.

Looking ahead, Lanús will meet a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent in the semifinals. The draw pits them against either a South‑American heavyweight or a dark horse that survived a tight tie. Regardless of the draw, Pellegrino’s side will need to keep the same focus, especially in defending set‑pieces—Fluminense’s missed header showed how a single moment can swing a tie.

Fans are already buzzing about the upcoming clash. Social media threads highlight the tactical discipline of Lanús and debate whether the Argentine side can maintain its defensive solidity against a more attack‑oriented opponent. The club’s supporters, buoyed by the recent victory, are planning a massive travel contingent for the next match, hoping to bring the same passion they showed in Rio.

In the broader picture, this quarter‑final illustrates the growing competitiveness of South American club football. Argentine teams continue to prove they can out‑maneuver Brazilian giants, while Brazilian clubs still rely heavily on home advantage—something the Fluminense campaign reminded us of. The drama at the Maracanã, from the near‑miss to the fan incident, adds another chapter to the rivalry between the two nations.