Lanús Stuns Maracanã: Fluminense Held to 1-1 Draw, Crashes Out of Sudamericana

In a night of high drama at the Maracanã, Lanús defied the odds to eliminate Fluminense from the CONMEBOL Sudamericana quarter-finals with a resolute 1-1 draw, advancing 2-1 on aggregate and booking their place in the semifinals for the first time in years. A match brimming with tension, artistry, and heartbreak delivered a story worthy of the continent’s grandest stages.

Fluminense, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, burst out of the gates with relentless intensity. The Maracanã faithful erupted in the 20th minute when Uruguayan forward Agustín Canobbio produced a moment of breathtaking brilliance. Latching onto a looping cross from Kevin Serna and a deft header by Lucho Acosta, Canobbio soared into the air and hammered home a bicycle kick that sent shockwaves through the stadium, leveling the tie on aggregate and briefly swinging momentum to the hosts.

The Cariocas, spurred by that "museum-worthy aerial wonder," pressed forward, twice rattling the woodwork and forcing Lanús keeper Lucas Losada into a string of vital saves. Yet, for all of Fluminense's dominance and creativity, a crucial second goal proved elusive. Veteran striker Germán Cano, introduced after the break, added further menace, but the Argentine defense—marshaled by Mauricio Pellegrino’s disciplined back line—stood firm.

The contest’s rhythm was briefly disrupted by a halftime delay caused by disturbances among visiting supporters, but the match’s intensity resumed unabated. As Fluminense surged in search of the decisive goal, it was Lanús who struck the killer blow. In the 67th minute, substitute Dylan Aquino broke free on a rapid counterattack, played in by Marcelino Moreno. Aquino coolly finished past Fábio, silencing the Maracanã and restoring Lanús' aggregate advantage.

Fluminense’s late siege nearly produced another dramatic twist—Cano’s header in the dying minutes struck the post, agonizingly close to forcing extra time. But as the final whistle blew, it was Lanús celebrating, their resilience and opportunism rewarded with a famous result and a ticket to the final four, where they await the winner of Alianza Lima vs. Universidad de Chile.

For Fluminense, the exit is bitter: they dominated large swathes of both legs, played with flair, but ultimately lacked the ruthlessness required to advance. The Maracanã, so often a fortress, was left stunned by Lanús’ clinical efficiency and the artistry of Canobbio’s goal—a spectacle that will resonate in Rio long after the lights go out.

For extended highlights, analysis, and every key moment of this Sudamericana classic, see the official recap videos on YouTube.