Club Atlético Lanús did not succeed in 2021, after falling to Defensa y Justicia in the semifinals. However, expectations are high for the series against Cruzeiro, marking the first time the Argentine team will face a Brazilian club in this instance.
Lanús's history in continental cup semifinals includes notable achievements, such as the title of the Copa Conmebol in 1996 and the historic comeback against River Plate in the Copa Libertadores 2017. Despite these milestones, Lanús comes to this stage with a complicated present in the Primera División, having accumulated nine matches without victories.
The team led by Ricardo Zielinski will face this instance with significant absences, such as those of Raúl Loaiza and Nicolás Morgantini due to serious injuries, and several key players uncertain due to various physical issues. Despite these absences, Lanús has shown a good performance in the Copa Sudamericana, losing only one match in the group stage and overcoming rivals like Liga de Quito and Independiente Medellín in previous stages.
With the dream of reaching the final in Asunción on November 23, Lanús will seek a positive result in Belo Horizonte that allows them to define the series at home. This will be the sixth time that the "Granate" reaches the semifinals of a continental tournament, with a positive history that has led them to qualify for all previous finals in which they have participated.
From the Copa Conmebol 1996, where Lanús won its first title, to the Copa Libertadores 2017 against River Plate, the team's path in international semifinals has been filled with unforgettable moments. Lanús's ability to overcome adversity and seek positive results in decisive stages will be crucial to reaching a new glorious chapter in their sporting history.
