Match‑day drama at the Maracanã

When Fluminense stepped onto the hallowed turf of the Maracanã for the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana quarter‑final, the atmosphere was electric. The home crowd, boasting over 70,000 passionate fans, expected a comeback after a 1-0 loss in Argentina. The narrative was simple: score early, press hard, and overturn the deficit.

That script seemed to be writing itself in the 20th minute. Agustín Canobbio, the Uruguayan forward for CA Lanús, found the net after a swift counter‑attack, sending the stadium into a roar of disbelief. The goal, while technically credited to the visitors, instantly lifted the spirits of the Tricolor supporters because it leveled the aggregate score and hinted that the tide could turn.

Fluminense responded with a wave of attacks, rolling the ball through the midfield with the intent to dominate possession. Veteran defender Thiago Silva marshaled the back line, while goalkeeper Fábio made a series of crucial saves that kept the scoreline intact. The team's attacking trio—German Cano, Kevin Serna, and the ever‑energetic Lucas Perri—pressed high, but Lanús' compact shape made space hard to find.

Turning point, turmoil, and the final whistle

The breakthrough for Lanús came in the 67th minute. Dylan Aquino, a 20‑year‑old Argentine winger, slipped past the defense and slotted home a low, controlled finish. The goal not only restored Lanús' aggregate lead but also chilled the Brazilian side's momentum. The crowds' chants turned to sighs, and the urgency in Fluminense’s play became desperate.

As the game progressed, tension spilled beyond the pitch. A minor scuffle between Lanús supporters and police in the stands escalated, prompting officials to suspend play for about ten minutes. The interruption added a surreal backdrop to an already high‑stakes encounter, with both teams regrouping while the stadium echoed with shouts and sirens.

When the referee waved the restart, Fluminense threw everything at the Argentine defense—substituting in fresh legs, pushing full‑backs higher, and even moving Silva into a midfield role to add experience. Despite the flood of attacks, Lanús held firm, relying on disciplined positioning and quick transitions. The final minutes saw a few close chances, but the referee’s whistle ultimately marked the end of Fluminense's Copa Sudamericana hopes.

Lanús celebrated a historic qualification to the semifinals—only the second time in the club’s modern era they have reached that stage. Their coach praised the squad’s mental strength, while the players highlighted the importance of maintaining composure after the early scare.

For Fluminense, the loss forces a rapid shift back to domestic priorities. The club’s management has already hinted at a rotation ahead of upcoming league fixtures, hoping the disappointment can be turned into renewed focus. Fans, still vocal, have expressed both frustration at the defeat and pride in the team’s fighting spirit.

Looking ahead, Lanús now prepares for a semifinal clash that could pit them against a South American heavyweight. Their tactical discipline, showcased in the Maracanã, suggests they could be a formidable opponent for any team still standing in the tournament.

• Sports

Written by Marc Perel

I am a seasoned journalist specializing in daily news coverage with a focus on the African continent. I currently work for a major news outlet in Cape Town, where I produce in-depth news analysis and feature pieces. I am passionate about uncovering the truth and presenting it to the public in the most understandable way.