Lanus find themselves just a point behind domestic division leaders, Rosario Central, and have lost just twice in the last 14 matches in all competitions.
For Atletico-MG, they're languishing in 11th position in Serie A, having won only four of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Stadium change
The current form of both teams, therefore, couldn't be more different, but as has been shown time and again in finals and when there's a trophy at stake, that goes out of the window.
The game is being played at the Estadio Ueno Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion, Paraguay, for the first time, although the stadium has previously played host to Copa America and Copa Libertadores finals.
It has been specially renovated for the final, with the addition of the Spidercam for the first time, as well as the semi-automatic SOAT offside system.
Estadio Ramon Aguilera Costas in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia) was originally bestowed the honour of hosting the final, but failed to meet the renovation deadlines in time, hence the decision to move the match.
Final debut for Atletico Mineiro
Lanus last contested the showpiece event back in 2020, when they lost 3-0 to fellow Argentinian side Defensa y Justicia, and prior to that, they won the title in 2013 with a 3-1 aggregate victory over two legs against Brazil's Ponte Preta.
It's the first opportunity for Atletico Mineiro to contest the final, giving them even more of an incentive to leave everything out there on the pitch, whether they win, lose or draw.
One of their star players, Hulk, 39, is in no doubt as to what this game means to his club.
"Of course, we wanted to be in a better position in the Brasileirao," he told reporters after his side's recent 3-3 draw with Fortaleza.
"But regardless of our standing, it won’t change the level of responsibility we’re taking into this final. We know it is the most important match of the year."
11 years since the last meeting
The two teams have only met twice before, in a two-legged CONMEBOL Recopa final back in 2014.
On that occasion, Atletico Mineiro took a 1-0 advantage into the second leg, which they won in an epic 4-3 encounter (5-3 on aggregate).
In their respective groups en route to the final, Lanus won three and drew three of their six matches, ending the group stage with a +5 goal difference that was mirrored by Atletico Mineiro, albeit their six group games saw only two wins, three draws and one loss.
Hulk remains one of the players to watch in the final despite his advancing years, and his 20 goals across all competitions this season are more than any of his teammates.
Lanus need to pay special attention to Gustavo Scarpa, however.
The 31-year-old attacking midfielder has created the most chances for his team (20), has had the most shots at goal (29) and has provided the most assists.
The Argentinians also don't want to allow Junior Alonso to start dictating play either. The defender's 637 passes in 2025/26 are 164 more than Lanus' best passers, Carlos Izquierdoz and Agustin Cardozo.
Goals to be expected
Lanus' most dangerous player is Marcelino Moreno, and it's safe to say that if Atletico stop him, they stop their opponents.
That's because he has scored the joint most goals for his side in the tournament (three), has the most assists (also three) and most total shots at goal (25), as well as creating the most chances (22).
Given the respective form of both sides, in both league play and in this tournament, it might be a surprise to learn that Atletico lead the way in terms of total passes (6,000) and goals scored (22). They also place second in terms of total shots (191) and shots on target (69).
The highest ranking that Lanus can manage is third for total shots (161), and they're way, way down the list (39th) when it comes to pass accuracy (76%).
In terms of injuries, the Argentinians can report a clean bill of health, whilst the Brazilians are missing Junior Santos (hip problem), Caio Maia (ACL), Lyanco and Tomas Cuello (both ankle injuries).
The match is sure to be an exciting spectacle, and the 15 minutes before the end of both halves could be particularly interesting.
That's because Atletico Mineiro have both scored the most goals (six) and conceded the most (four) in between 30 and 45 minutes of games, whilst Lanus have scored the joint most (four) in the 75th to 90th minutes, and the quarter hour prior.
With both teams also having managed at least two goals in three games this season, the 2025 Copa Sudamericana final could be a true classic.
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