Preview of the Recopa Sudamericana: Lanús vs. Flamengo in the Continental Champions’ Battle

The 2026 Recopa Sudamericana final will take place on Thursday evening as Argentine side Lanus host Brazilian side Flamengo in the first leg of the final.

This competition is unique as it replicates the old, historical Copa Libertadores format, which featured a two-leg final.

The Recopa Sudamericana is the only competition still standing in the traditional two-legged finals format, preserving a piece of South American football history in an era that has moved towards one-off showpiece events.

The last meeting between these teams was back in 2012 in the Copa Libertadores. The first match in the group stage saw Lanus draw 1-1 against Flamengo, before the Rio de Janeiro side ran out 3-0 winners at home in the second leg.

However, despite that emphatic win, Flamengo were eliminated at the group stage and failed to make any further progress in the competition.

Lanus, meanwhile, progressed to the knockout rounds but was eventually eliminated in the next round, losing on penalties to Flamengo’s bitter rival Vasco da Gama.

Lanus

Lanús won the Copa Sudamericana and advanced to the finals of the Recopa Sudamericana. They progressed through the group stage, topping their group, before eliminating Central Córdoba, Fluminense and Universidad de Chile en route to the final.

In the final, they faced Atlético Mineiro, and after a tense and cagey contest ended 0–0, Lanus won 5-4 on penalties. It was a match that lacked quality in front of goal but was brought to life by the exciting atmosphere in Asuncion created by the Argentine and Brazilian supporters.

In 2026, Lanus played six matches, winning three, drawing two and losing one. However, their recent form has not been as strong as they had hoped, with two draws and a defeat in their last three matches.

Heading into this match, they faced Independiente and lost 2–0, with both goals coming in the second half in a disappointing performance.

Lanus have participated in the competition once before, following their Copa Sudamericana victory in 2013. On that occasion, they faced Atlético Mineiro in the Recopa Sudamericana but lost 5–3 on aggregate after extra time.

It was a hard-fought tie, but eventually the quality of the Brazilian team proved decisive, denying Lanus the chance to add another continental title to their history.

Nevertheless, Lanus will feel confident going into this final after already beating Vasco da Gama to secure top spot in their group and defeating Fluminense in the Copa Sudamericana last season. They will now hope to add Flamengo to that list and further strengthen an already historic run for the club.

LANUS TEAM NEWS

Lanus rested several key players in their recent matches, with Marcelino Moreno and Rodrigo Castillo both resting against Independiente as the club prioritised its push for silverware.

Both players are expected to return to the starting lineup, and head coach Mauricio Pellegrino has nearly a full squad.

The only absentee is Raul Loiza, who is sidelined as he recovers from a knee injury.

Flamengo

Flamengo are the current holders of the Copa Libertadores, having secured their place in the competition. They also participated in the 2025 Intercontinental Cup, but Paris Saint-Germain defeated them in a penalty shootout.

Their launch in 2026, however, did not go entirely to plan. They lost 2–0 to Corinthians in Brasilia in the Supercopa do Brasil. Their league campaign also started below expectations, with a 2–1 defeat to São Paulo in their opening match, followed by a disappointing 1–1 draw against Internazionale.

They had some redemption in their third league match, as they showed signs of improvement, winning 2-1 at Vitoria.

Most recently, Flamengo beat bitter rivals Botafogo 2-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Campeonato Carioca. Goals from Lucas Paqueta, the most expensive signing in Brazilian football history, and Erik Pulgar sealed an important victory and provided a timely boost of confidence ahead of the Recopa Sudamericana final.

In 2025, Rubro Negro progressed through their Copa Libertadores group stage, finishing second in Group C ahead of Argentine side Central Córdoba on goal difference.

They then reached the finals after defeating Internacional, Estudiantes, and Racing in the knockout rounds.

In the final, they faced Palmeiras and secured a 1–0 win over Lima, with a decisive header from Danilo proving the difference and seal. Flamengo once again claimed the title of South American champions.

Flamengo has a solid record against Argentinian opposition. Across 76 matches against Argentine sides, they have won 33, drawn 23 and lost 20.

Flamengo previously won the competition at the 2020 Recopa Sudamericana, defeating Independiente del Valle 5–2 on aggregate to lift the trophy.

However, Independiente del Valle exacted their revenge in the 2023 edition. After the tie ended 1-1, the Ecuador team won the penalty shootout.

Flamengo Team News

Flamengo received some positive injury news before the match. Pedro, who complained of discomfort after their recent Carioca game, has been ruled out of any serious injury and is available for selection by Felipe Luis.

Uruguayan full-back Guillermo Varela also returns after recovering from an ankle problem, giving the squad another boost.

Jorginho and Saul are the only unavailable players for the Rubro-Negro, as they continue their recovery.