Atlético-MG lose Sul-Americana final on pens, face Flamengo fatigued | OneFootball

Libertadores Champion Will Face Sudamericana Winner in the 2026 Recopa

Runner-up again. After finishing second in the Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil in 2024, Atlético-MG is now the runner-up in the Sudamericana. This Saturday (22), Lanús (ARG) defeated the team from Minas Gerais in the final, winning on penalties at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Paraguay. Now, the Argentinians will face the champion of the Libertadores—either Flamengo or Palmeiras—for the Recopa trophy in 2026.

The result could even impact Flamengo’s future in the Brasileirão. That’s because, next Tuesday (25), the Most Beloved will face Atlético-MG, still ‘in mourning’ and tired from extra time, at Arena MRV. There is anticipation to see how Jorge Sampaoli will line up the team.

HOW WAS THE SUDAMERICANA FINAL?

Atlético-MG started by taking control of the game. In the first half, the best chance came at the 27th minute, when winger Bernard took a dangerous free kick and hit the post. Sampaoli’s team had more possession and also complained about a penalty that was not awarded by the referee.

In the second half, Lanús chose to play defensively, waiting for Atlético-MG’s mistakes to counterattack. However, lacking inspiration, the Brazilian team created little and couldn’t score. In extra time, Biel missed an unbelievable goal for the team from Minas Gerais.

WHEN WILL THE 2026 RECOPA BE?

Conmebol has not yet set the date for the 2026 Recopa, but if they follow the 2025 schedule, it will be at the end of February. In the current season, Racing (ARG) were crowned champions after defeating Botafogo with two 2-0 victories, first in Avellaneda and then at Engenhão.

To earn the right to play in the Recopa, Flamengo needs to beat Palmeiras next Saturday (29), in the final of the Libertadores. The match will kick off at 6 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Estadio Monumental de Lima in Peru, with full coverage from Coluna do Fla.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.