On Thursday, April 3, 2025, Lanús faced off against Academia Puerto Cabello in a thrilling encounter at the Polideportivo Misael Delgado in Venezuela, marking the opening match of Group G in the Copa Sudamericana 2025. The game ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams as they vied for early supremacy in the tournament.
Lanús, the 2013 champions of the Copa Sudamericana, entered the match with a pressing need to improve their form after a series of inconsistent performances in the domestic league. Under the guidance of coach Mauricio Pellegrino, the team had only managed one win in their last seven matches, a 4-1 victory against Instituto. Their recent form included five draws and a solitary defeat to River Plate, leaving them in seventh place in Zone B of the Argentine league with 14 points.
In contrast, Puerto Cabello arrived at this continental clash buoyed by a four-match unbeaten streak in the Venezuelan league, which included victories over Metropolitanos (3-0) and Rayo Zuliano (1-0), along with two goalless draws against Caracas and Academia Anzoátegui. This positive run positioned them fifth in the local championship, also with 14 points.
The match began with Lanús looking to assert their dominance early on. Juan Ramírez had a clear opportunity to score just seven minutes in, but his shot went wide. However, it was Puerto Cabello who struck first, with Gerardo Padrón finding the net in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse from Lanús.
Things took a turn for the worse for Lanús when they lost Ramiro Carrera to injury, and shortly thereafter, Abdul Awudu doubled Puerto Cabello's lead with a stunning goal in the 50th minute. The situation became even more dire for Lanús when Alexis Segovia received a second yellow card, resulting in a red card just minutes after the start of the second half, leaving Lanús with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Lanús rallied back. Substitutions made by Pellegrino injected fresh energy into the team. Alexis Canelo got the visitors back in the game with a well-placed shot in the 68th minute, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Just six minutes later, Dylan Aquino, who also came on as a substitute, scored the equalizer, bringing the score to 2-2.
Both teams had chances to secure a winner in the closing stages, but the match ended in a stalemate, leaving both sides with a point in the group standings. With this result, Lanús currently sits third in Group G, alongside the other teams after Melgar and Vasco da Gama played to a 3-3 draw in their respective match.
Looking ahead, Lanús will host Melgar on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 21:30, hoping to build on their momentum from this draw. Meanwhile, Puerto Cabello will travel to face Vasco da Gama, eager to continue their strong performance in the tournament.
This match was officiated by Colombian referee Carlos Ortega, with Nicolás Gallo serving as the VAR. The Copa Sudamericana continues to be a platform for teams across South America to showcase their talent and determination, and both Lanús and Puerto Cabello have certainly made their mark in this opening fixture.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes will only get higher. Teams must find their rhythm and capitalize on every opportunity to secure their place in the knockout stages. With the excitement of the Copa Sudamericana unfolding, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the days to come.
