How Long Has It Been Since a Brazilian Team Won the Copa Sudamericana?
Brazil is looking to win the Copa Sudamericana again, and Atlético Mineiro has an opportunity to end a drought that began in 2021.
The Copa Sudamericana could crown a Brazilian champion once again after nearly five years. Atlético Mineiro has the opportunity to make it happen, but standing in its way is Boca Juniors in a final that represents a special opportunity for Brazilian soccer.
The drought began in November 2021, and since then, no Brazilian team has managed to lift the trophy. To understand how long Brazil has gone without celebrating a title in this competition, we have to look back at the last club to win it.
Athletico Paranaense Was the Last Brazilian Champion
The last Brazilian team to lift the Copa Sudamericana was Athletico Paranaense, which defeated Red Bull Bragantino 1-0 on November 20, 2021, at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. That final was unique because it featured two Brazilian clubs, guaranteeing the country would have a champion.
The only goal came in the 29th minute, when Nikão took advantage of a rebound from goalkeeper Cleiton and scored with a spectacular overhead kick. Furacão held off Bragantino's attempts to equalize and maintained its lead until the final whistle, securing its second title in the competition.
Furacão Made History With Its Second Sudamericana Title
That triumph was especially meaningful for Athletico Paranaense, which had already won the Sudamericana in 2018, defeating Junior of Barranquilla in the final. With its 2021 title, the club became the first Brazilian team to win the competition twice, joining Boca Juniors and Independiente as clubs with two trophies at the time.
The road to the title included several challenges. Athletico eliminated América de Cali in the Round of 16, overcame Liga de Quito in the quarterfinals, and knocked out Peñarol in the semifinals. That set up an all-Brazilian final, where Nikão ultimately became the hero. Since then, no other Brazilian club has managed to repeat that celebration.
Atlético Mineiro Hopes to End the Drought Against Boca Juniors
Now, Atlético Mineiro has the opportunity to follow in Athletico Paranaense's footsteps. The Brazilian side secured its place in the final after surviving a difficult series against Montevideo City Torque, which won the second leg 2-0. Despite the defeat, Mineiro advanced with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
On November 21 in Barranquilla, the Belo Horizonte side will face Boca Juniors, which is seeking its third title after winning the 2004 and 2005 editions. For Atlético Mineiro, this is an opportunity to claim its first Sudamericana crown and bring the trophy back to Brazil after nearly five years. Furacão had the last celebration; now, Mineiro wants to write its own chapter in the competition's history.
