If you’re a fan of South American football, the Copa Sudamericana is a must‑follow. It’s the continent’s second‑biggest club tournament, sitting just behind the Libertadores. Every year the competition brings drama, surprise upsets and a chance for clubs outside the traditional powerhouses to shine.
So, how can you stay on top of the action? Below we break down the basics, the current season’s storylines and the easiest ways to watch the games.
The format is simple: 32 teams start in a knockout round, playing home‑and‑away legs until the final. Unlike the Libertadores, the final is a single match at a neutral venue, which adds a sudden‑death feel. The tournament also offers a direct spot in next year’s Libertadores for the winner, making every match count.
Teams qualify through their domestic leagues, often finishing just below the Libertadores spots. This means you’ll see clubs like Independiente del Valle, Fortaleza, and LDU Quito battling it out alongside more familiar names such as River Plate (Uruguay) or Atlético Nacional.
As of now, the group stage is over and the round‑of‑16 battles are heating up. One of the biggest stories is Palmeiras’ strong run after their Libertadores campaign ended early. They’re using the Sudamericana to rebuild confidence and aim for that coveted Libertadores ticket.
Another headline is the surprise performance of a small Brazilian side that knocked out a traditional giant on away‑goals. These upsets are the lifeblood of the competition and keep neutral fans glued to the screens.Keep an eye on the top scorers list – players like Deyverson and Rafael Santos have already found the net multiple times, and a few more could break out as the tournament progresses.
For fans in Africa, the matches are usually broadcast on local sports channels and streamed via platforms like FanCode or ESPN+. If you prefer free options, many clubs upload highlights to YouTube within hours of the final whistle. That way you never miss a crucial moment, even if you can’t catch the live broadcast.
To make sure you don’t miss a game, add the fixtures to your calendar. The schedule is released early, and you can sync it with Google Calendar or your phone’s native app. The dates are fixed, but kickoff times can shift due to time‑zone differences, so double‑check the local start time before you settle in.
Finally, if you want deeper analysis, Daily Focus Bothma Africa offers match previews, player interviews and post‑match breakdowns. Our writers keep the tone informal and focus on what matters to you – the key moments, the tactical shifts, and the stories behind each club’s journey.
Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter of a South American club or just enjoy watching underdog stories, the Copa Sudamericana delivers excitement in every leg. Follow the tournament, track the scores, and enjoy the passion that makes South American football unique.
Fluminense's run in the Copa Sudamericana ended at the Maracanã when Argentine side CA Lanús edged them 2-1 on aggregate. A 1-1 draw on September 23, 2025, saw Agustín Canobbio spark hope before Dylan Aquino's late equaliser sealed the Brazilian club's fate. The match was marred by fan‑police clashes that halted play briefly.
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