With Maradona's blessing, Lanús see off La U and face Atlético in the final | OneFootball

The final of the 2025 Copa Sudamericana is set.

After Atlético Mineiro dispatched Independiente del Valle, Lanús defeated Universidad de Chile 1-0 in front of their fans this Thursday (30th) at La Fortaleza. 

They secured their spot in the final after a 2-2 draw in the first leg. 

As soon as the final whistle blew, chaos erupted on the field. 

Galo and Lanús will face each other on November 22, at the Defensores del Chaco, in Asunción.

Atlético will be seeking their first-ever trophy. Meanwhile, the Granate aims for their second, having been champions in 2013 against Ponte Preta, and they were runners-up in 2020. 

The presence of the Argentine team in the final of the Sula was secured on Maradona's birthday, who was born in Lanús and would have turned 65.

Atlético's mission will be to end the series of three consecutive runner-up finishes for Brazilian football in the Sula. São Paulo, Fortaleza, and Cruzeiro were surpassed by Del Valle, LDU, and Racing in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. 

Will Galo request a song?

This will be the third final in history between Atlético and Lanús.

The first was the 1997 Conmebol Cup.

The first leg was at La Fortaleza, with Galo winning 4-1 and a brawl after the final whistle.

Leão, then the coach of the black-and-white team, even had to undergo facial surgery. The return leg ended 1-1, with Atlético taking the trophy. 

In 2014, the Alvinegro, then Libertadores champions, defeated Lanús, the Sudamericana winners, to claim the Recopa in extra time.

Disallowed goal, controversial play and more

Lanús even celebrated in the 12th minute with Marcelino Moreno, but the VAR indicated an offside for the number 10.

Lanús also complained about a possible penalty committed by Hormazáball - handball after a header.

Castillo had a good chance for the hosts but was selfish.

La U, on the other hand, was less aggressive. They couldn't break through the rival's defense. 

📸 2025 Getty Images

MORE VAR and Granate celebration

The second half started with a celebration for the Chilean team at 7', with Salomoni;

But the video referee indicated an offside for Di Yorio in the play. 

It was up to Lanús - who was superior - to get there at 17'.

Lethal counterattack, great play by Marcelino Moreno, and a goal by Castillo, who had already scored twice in the first leg. 

The video referee reviewed the play due to Toto Salvio's handball, but the play was validated. To much complaint from the Chilean side. 

The game became even more open, with La U pushing more into the attack.

Altamirano had a great opportunity. But the equalizer never came. 

Ensuring the Argentine celebration in Maradona's land. Literally. 

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

📸 LUIS ROBAYO - AFP or licensors