Lanús secured a narrow victory against Flamengo in the first leg of the 2026 Recopa Sudamericana, held at the Estadio Ciudad de Lanús in Buenos Aires. The match was characterized by a solid performance from Lanús, with Rodrigo Castillo scoring the decisive goal with a powerful header in the 77th minute. This win puts Lanús in a favorable position as they head into the second leg, scheduled to occur next Thursday at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

During the match, Flamengo attempted to establish control early on with a strong midfield presence, but Lanús was quick to respond with offensive plays, showcasing their intent to dominate the game. Despite Flamengo's initial advantage in ball possession, the locals pressed forward, earning several opportunities, one of which nearly resulted in an early goal if not for an unfortunate offside call against Castillo. This highlights the competitive nature of the match and sets the stage for an intense return leg where Flamengo must overcome a one-goal deficit to secure their first title of 2026.

The upcoming match at the Maracanã will be a critical moment for Flamengo as they aim to bounce back from their previous loss this year, where they fell short against Corinthians in the Supercopa de Brasil. For Lanús, this win not only boosts their confidence but also raises stakes and expectations as they strive to claim victory in the Recopa, a prestigious competition in South American club football.