Lanus go host Mirassol for Estadio Ciudad de Lanus for Greater Buenos Aires on Tuesday, May 26, at 11pm BST for the final round of Copa Libertadores group stage. The Brazilian side don already guarantee qualification as Group G leaders, while the Argentine outfit dey battle to secure a place for Copa Sudamericana.
For what be a remarkable debut Copa Libertadores campaign, Mirassol don emerge as one of the competition surprise packages, while reigning Copa Sudamericana champions Lanus appear to fall short of replicating last season continental success.
Mirassol head into their trip to Argentina full of confidence after defeating Fluminense 1-0 at home for the 17th round of Campeonato Brasileiro thanks to a decisive goal from Denilson, although the Leao Caipira still sit 18th for the table with 16 points, two behind Santos for the final relegation spot.
Despite their domestic struggles, the Sao Paulo-based club don excel for the Copa Libertadores, collecting 12 points from their opening five matches to secure early qualification from a group containing continental champions, with a draw against Lanus enough to guarantee first place.
Rafael Guanaes side also boost morale for their latest league outing by increasing the pressure on rivals Santos and Corinthians for the battle to avoid relegation ahead of the World Cup break.
As they prepare for the knockout stages, Mirassol fit request special permission from Conmebol to use the Maiao as their home venue after more than R$8 million was invested into the stadium, and although its capacity no meet the required regulations, Independiente del Valle precedent for 2023 fit strengthen the club case.
Lanus, meanwhile, dey currently undergo a rebuilding phase following their 2025 Copa Sudamericana triumph over Atletico Mineiro, but their Copa Libertadores campaign don disappoint, with Mauricio Pellegrino side sitting third for the group on just six points from five matches.
After suffering elimination for the last 16 of the Argentine championship, Lanus remain with only the Copa Argentina clash on May 30 as their remaining domestic commitment, although victory on Tuesday go keep alive their hopes of defending the Copa Sudamericana crown.
While this scenario far from what Granates supporters expect at the start of the season, the possibility of retaining continental silverware despite major squad changes still fit provide encouragement.
Lanus Copa Libertadores form: LWWDD. Lanus form for all competitions: WDLDD. Mirassol Copa Libertadores form: WLWWW. Mirassol form for all competitions: DWLWW.
Although Lanus don already out of Copa Libertadores, Pellegrino still fit opt for a strong lineup despite the upcoming Copa Argentina fixture, as he dey look to avoid disappointing the club demanding home supporters.
The Argentine side go definitely dey without forward Yoshan Valois, who dey sidelined until July with a knee sprain, while defensive midfielder Raul Loaiza also remain unavailable due to a muscular injury with no confirmed return date.
Mirassol also get several absentees for the group-stage finale, with left-back Victor Luis suspended after being sent off for the win over Always Ready, while forwards Negueba and Andre Luis, alongside left-back Igor Formiga, also dey unavailable.
With qualification already secured, Guanaes expect to rotate his squad partially ahead of the Brasileirao clash against Athletico at the Arena da Baixada later this week.
Lanus possible starting lineup: Losada; Guidara, Izquierdoz, Canale, Marcich; Cardozo, Biafore; Salvio, Moreno, Carrera; Walter Bou. Mirassol possible starting lineup: Muralha; Daniel Borges, Joao Victor, Willian Machado, Reinaldo; Jose Aldo, Denilson; Alesson, Shaylon, Carlos Eduardo; Edson Carioca.
Having already secure a historic qualification and facing increasing pressure for the Brasileirao, Mirassol likely to travel to Greater Buenos Aires with a rotated side due to the demanding schedule and long journey.
Lanus, meanwhile, get the chance to restore some pride for front of their home fans and keep alive hopes of defending the Copa Sudamericana title, while their unbeaten home run stretching close to three months further strengthen their chances of ending the group stage on a positive note.
