First Leg: Late Drama at Ciudad de Lanús
On September 16, 2025, the atmosphere inside the Ciudad de Lanús stadium was electric. Over 35,000 Argentine supporters filled the stands, hoping their side could outplay the Brazilian heavyweight, Fluminense. The match unfolded as a tactical chess game, with both coaches opting for balanced formations that limited space in the final third.
Fluminense, under Renato Gaucho, tried to assert possession early, but Lanús’s compact midfield disrupted any rhythm. The Argentine club fielded a mix of seasoned veterans and eager youngsters, a necessity after injuries sidelined five regular starters. Despite the depleted roster, Lanús stayed organized, pressing high and forcing Fluminense into long‑range attempts that rarely troubled goalkeeper Matheus Viana.
The deadlock persisted until the 89th minute when Marcelino Moreno, who had entered as a substitute, seized a loose ball on the edge of the box. A swift turn and a low drive past Viana left the net rippling. The stadium erupted, and the late goal turned a potential draw into a 1‑0 victory, giving Lanús a crucial cushion heading to the second leg.
Second Leg: A Home Triumph That Wasn't Enough
A week later, the iconic Maracanã hosted the return fixture. The Brazilian crowd expected a comeback, especially after Fluminense’s recent domestic form had been solid. Renato Gaucho made a bold tweak, pushing Lucho Acosta deeper to supply creative passes while instructing the defensive line to press higher than in the first game.
The move paid off early. In the 21st minute, Acosta threaded a precise through‑ball to Agustín Canobbio, who slotted it past Lanús keeper Sebastián Torrens. The stadium roared, and the 1‑0 scoreline put Fluminense level on aggregate. Yet, the lead was precarious; the away‑goals rule meant Lanús needed only a single goal to advance.
Lack of urgency in the Brazilian half became apparent as the game progressed. Lanús, aware of the rule, adopted a disciplined, counter‑attacking stance. Their midfield, still missing key players, relied on the experience of veteran Juan Surraco to maintain shape and recycle possession efficiently.
Both sides exchanged chances in the second half, but sturdy defending and a few crucial saves kept the scoreline unchanged. When the final whistle blew, the aggregate stood at 1‑1, but Lanús advanced thanks to the away goal advantage. The result was a bitter pill for Fluminense, whose fans had hoped the Maracanã would be a fortress.
For Lanús, the victory was a testament to resilience. Mauricio Pellegrino, the club’s manager, praised his squad’s mental strength, emphasizing that overcoming injury setbacks had forged a tighter unit. The Argentine side now looks forward to a semifinal clash, carrying the confidence of a hard‑won quarter‑final win.
Fluminense’s exit underlines the fine margins of continental competition. While the team showed quality, especially in the second leg, the late strike in Argentina proved decisive. The matchup will be remembered for its tension, tactical adjustments, and the way an away goal can tip the balance in South America’s premier club tournament.
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