The Galo vs. the Mystique of Three Champions

This Tuesday, live on beIN SPORTS, the first legs of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals kick off — followed on Wednesday by the Copa Libertadores semifinals. The opening match begins at 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT, featuring Independiente del Valle vs. Atlético Mineiro.

In the Copa Sudamericana, the spotlight shines on Atlético Mineiro, the only remaining Brazilian club carrying the responsibility of keeping its nation’s pride alive. The “Galo” aims to recapture the glory of 2013, when it conquered the Copa Libertadores by defeating Olimpia of Paraguay. But this time, the challenge is greater: facing three historic clubs with both pedigree and ambition.

Independiente del Valle already knows what it’s like to lift the Sudamericana, having done so in 2019, and reached a Libertadores final in 2016. Lanús, the 2013 champion and Libertadores runner-up in 2017, brings experience and resilience. Meanwhile, Universidad de Chile, the 2011 champion, arrives as the dark horse capable of pulling off an upset. Each side has credentials that make this semifinal round a clash of styles, tradition, and history.

A Powerful Galo Faces Youthful Brilliance

All eyes, however, are on Atlético Mineiro, the lone Brazilian contender and owner of the most expensive squad in the competition. The Galo not only boasts history but also a loaded arsenal: Hulk, Gustavo Scarpa, Biel (recently signed from Sporting Lisbon), and Reinier, formerly of Real Madrid. With firepower, experience, and leadership, they have all the tools to dominate any opponent.

On the other side stands Independiente del Valle, Ecuador’s football factory of emerging stars. The club arrives with three gems destined for Europe: Justín Lerma, soon to join Borussia Dortmund, along with Patrick Mercado and Darwin Guagua — young, fast, and fearless talents ready to test the Brazilian powerhouse.

Then on Thursday, at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT, beIN SPORTS will air the other semifinal first leg between Universidad de Chile and Lanús — a matchup full of intrigue. “La U” arrives with the most modest squad financially but relies on two veteran leaders, Marcelo Díaz and Charles Aránguiz, as well as a dynamic attacking trio of Lucas Di Yorio, Lucas Assadi, and Rodrigo Contreras.

Lanús, equipped with greater resources, banks on experience and grit. Lautaro Acosta and Carlos Izquierdoz (back from injury) lead the way, while up front, Marcelino Moreno, Walter Bou, and Rodrigo Castillo provide scoring depth. The Argentine side already knocked out Fluminense in the quarterfinals, thanks to a decisive goal from young Dylan Aquino, proving they can punch above their weight.

The future stars of South America are here — and the question is simple: will the power of the Galo overcome the history and mystique of three Sudamericana champions? The stage is set, and the show is guaranteed… only on beIN SPORTS.