Match overview
In front of a packed Ciudad de Lanús stadium, the home side managed to keep Fluminense at bay and grab a narrow advantage in the Copa Sudamericana. The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when Marcelino Moreno slipped the ball past the Brazilian keeper, sparking a wave of celebration among the 35,000 supporters chanting the club’s name.
Lanús entered the game without five regulars, a list that grew over the season due to a series of injuries. Despite the setbacks, manager Mauricio Pellegrino opted for a pragmatic formation, mixing seasoned campaigners with promising youngsters from the club’s academy. The mix paid off; players like Gonzalo Laso and youngster Mateo García stepped up, covering the gaps left by the absent stars.
Fluminense, coached by Renato Gaúcho, pressed hard for an away goal. Their attacks, led by the dynamic duo of Nenê and Kayke, forced the Argentine defense into several uncomfortable situations, but the visitors never managed to turn pressure into a finish. The Brazilian side’s inability to break the deadlock will haunt them when they travel to the iconic Maracanã for the second leg.
Key moments besides Moreno’s winner included a close-range header by Lanús defender Agustín Almendra that rattled the crossbar and a brilliant free‑kick attempt from Fluminense’s midfielder Thiago Galhardo that curled just wide of the post. Both teams created chances, but the Argentine side’s defensive discipline held firm.
Implications for the second leg
The 1‑0 scoreline hands Lanús a slim cushion, but it also means they must keep a clean sheet in Brazil to progress. A single goal from Fluminense would level the tie and push the contest into extra time, thanks to the away‑goal rule still in effect for this edition of the tournament.
Looking ahead, Pellegrino’s squad will likely face another selection dilemma. The injury list includes midfielder Diego Peralta, defender Facundo Lomas, and forward Lautaro López, all of whom remain doubtful. The coaching staff has hinted at promoting more academy talent if the fitness situation does not improve before the Maracanã showdown.
For Fluminense, the focus shifts to tightening their attack while staying compact at the back. Renato Gaúcho emphasized in the post‑match interview that the team will analyze the missed opportunities and work on finishing drills in the week leading up to the trip. A swift response from their Brazilian fans could provide the extra push needed to overturn the deficit.
- Lanús’ current injury list: Diego Peralta (mid), Facundo Lomas (def), Lautaro López (fw), Cristian Rivas (mid), and Juan Pablo Montoya (def).
- Fluminense’s recent form: four wins and a draw in the last five league matches, solid defensive record but modest goal output away from home.
Both clubs now enter a crucial phase of preparation. The tactical battle will likely revolve around Lanús’ need to stay organized and Fluminense’s quest for a quick goal. As the clock ticks, fans on both sides are already buzzing with speculation about line‑ups, possible substitutions, and the impact of the venue’s atmosphere on player performance.
Regardless of the outcome in Rio, this first‑leg victory cements Lanús’ reputation as a resilient contender in South America’s secondary club competition. Their ability to win despite a depleted squad illustrates a depth that could see them through the remainder of the tournament, should they maintain the same level of focus and adaptability.
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