Lanús Wins Copa Sudamericana 5-4 on Penalties vs. Atlético Mineiro

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay — Argentine club Lanús claimed their second Copa Sudamericana title on Saturday, defeating Brazil's Atlético Mineiro 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a tense 0-0 draw through 120 minutes of play at Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

Goalkeeper Nahuel Losada emerged as the match's standout performer, denying three Atlético Mineiro penalties from Hulk, Gabriel Teixeira and Vitor Hugo. Lanús players Carlos Izquierdoz, Sasha Marcich, Dylan Aquino, Agustín Cardozo and Franco Watson all converted their spot kicks to secure the victory. The 32-year-old Losada's heroics capped a defensive masterclass from Lanús, who withstood heavy pressure from the Brazilians, who controlled possession but squandered several scoring opportunities.

The final marked Lanús's third appearance in the competition's showpiece event and their first win since 2013. That earlier triumph made them one of only six teams to lift the trophy twice, joining an elite group in South America's second-tier club competition. Argentine sides now hold 10 Sudamericana titles overall, with Racing Club's 2024 victory over Cruzeiro the most recent before this one.

Lanús earned their spot in the final through a steady...