On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Melgar and Lanús will clash in a crucial match for the Copa Sul-Americana, taking place at the Estadio Monumental Virgen de Chapi in Arequipa, Peru. Kickoff is set for 23:00 (Brasília time), and both teams are looking to secure vital points in the group stage.
This matchup is particularly significant as it could determine the leadership of Group G, where Lanús currently holds the top spot with five points, just ahead of Melgar, who has four. The stakes are high, as the outcome could greatly influence the future of both teams in the tournament.
Melgar, a traditional Peruvian club, is seeking redemption after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Lanús in their previous encounter in Argentina. Currently sitting third in the Peruvian Championship with 20 points from 10 matches (6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses), Melgar has scored 18 goals and conceded 11. In the Copa Sul-Americana, their journey has been tumultuous, with a draw against Vasco and a victory over Puerto Cabello, but the loss to Lanús has left them in a precarious position.
Head coach Walter Ribonetto is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Facundo Castro as the primary attacking threat. The altitude of Arequipa, located 2,335 meters above sea level, could serve as an advantage for Melgar, who will aim to dominate the offensive play and apply pressure on their opponents.
On the other side, Lanús comes into this match after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Atlético Tucumán in the Argentine Championship. Despite this setback, they have already secured a spot in the next phase of the domestic competition. In the Copa Sul-Americana, Lanús has had a solid run, leading Group G with five points from one win and two draws, having scored five goals while conceding only two.
However, Lanús will be without key players for this match, including Gonzalo Pérez, Felipe Peña Biafore, Lautaro Acosta, and Raúl Loaiza due to injuries. Coach Mauricio Pellegrino will rely on the experience of his remaining squad to navigate this challenging away fixture.
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN 4 and available for streaming on Disney+ Premium, ensuring fans can catch all the action as it unfolds.
In terms of recent form, Melgar has struggled to find consistency, with only one victory in their last six matches. Their last five games include a draw against Comerciantes Unidos and the aforementioned loss to Lanús. Nevertheless, playing at home could provide them with the boost they need to turn their fortunes around.
Lanús, conversely, has been performing well overall, but the recent loss to Atlético Tucumán has raised concerns about their momentum. Despite this, they remain a formidable opponent, and their defensive organization will be crucial against a Melgar side eager to exploit their home advantage.
As the teams prepare for what promises to be an intense battle, the outcome remains uncertain. For Vasco da Gama, who also competes in the group, a draw between Melgar and Lanús would be the ideal result, allowing them to potentially take the lead in the standings should they win their upcoming match against Puerto Cabello.
With both teams having much to play for, fans can expect a thrilling encounter that could shape the trajectory of the Copa Sul-Americana Group G.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation builds for this pivotal clash between Melgar and Lanús. Who will emerge victorious and take a decisive step toward the knockout stages of the tournament?
