If you love South American football, the Copa Sudamericana is the tournament you keep checking. It’s the continent’s second‑biggest club competition, just behind the Libertadores, and it delivers drama every week. Below you’ll find the basics, recent results, and practical tips so you never miss a moment.
The Copa starts with a knockout stage. Teams from across the continent are paired in home‑and‑away legs. The winner on aggregate moves on, and the loser drops out. After several rounds you reach the round of 16, then the quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and finally the two‑leg final.
Every tie is decided by total goals. If the aggregate is level, away‑goals used to decide the winner, but the competition now goes straight to extra time and penalties. This makes every goal count and keeps the tension high.
In the most recent round, Brazilian side Fortaleza edged out Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle 3‑2 on aggregate. The first leg in Brazil ended 2‑1, and a late away goal in the second leg sealed the win. Meanwhile, Argentine club River Plate fell to a shocking 1‑0 loss against Colombian outfit Deportivo Cali, ending their run early.
Defending champions Independiente have been surprisingly quiet. After a strong group stage, they slipped against Paraguayan side Olimpia in the quarter‑finals, losing 2‑1 on aggregate. Their early exit shows how open the tournament has become – any club can surprise a favorite on a good night.
Fans also love the new “goal‑of‑the‑week” segment. Last week’s pick was a brilliant free‑kick by Chile’s Colo‑Colo striker, which curled into the top corner in a 2‑0 win over Uruguay’s Nacional. Clips are shared on the official Copa Sudamericana YouTube channel and social media, making it easy to rewatch the best moments.
If you’re wondering where to watch, the rights belong to ESPN Star+ in most of Latin America and to the Fox Sports network in Brazil. In South Africa, the tournament streams on the SuperSport app, which offers live coverage and highlights. Check your local listings for exact channel numbers.
For the casual viewer, the weekly “Copa Recap” podcast breaks down all the games in 15 minutes. It’s perfect for commuters who want to stay updated without watching a full match.
Looking ahead, the semi‑finals will feature a classic Brazil‑Argentina clash: Fortaleza versus River Plate. Both teams have strong attacking lines, so expect a lot of goals. Keep an eye on the defensive midfielders – they often decide who advances.
Finally, a quick tip for fans: sign up for the official tournament newsletter. You’ll get real‑time alerts when your team scores, plus exclusive interviews with coaches and players. It’s free and only takes a few seconds.
Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter or just enjoy watching good football, the Copa Sudamericana offers something for everyone. Stay tuned, follow the matches, and join the conversation on social media using #CopaSudamericana. The excitement is just getting started.
Lanús stole a 1‑0 win over Fluminense in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarter‑finals, thanks to an 89th‑minute strike by Marcelino Moreno. Missing five starters, the Argentine side relied on a blend of veterans and youth to clinch the victory before a crowd of 35,000. The result gives them a slim but vital lead heading to the return match at the Maracanã.
