The 2025 Copa Sudamericana final reached halftime with a scoreless draw between Lanús and Atlético Mineiro, after an intense but inconclusive first half at the Defensores del Chaco, where thousands of fans painted the stands granate and black. The deadlock keeps every possibility open in a match that promises high emotions in the second half.

Lanús, chasing its second continental title after winning in 2013, tried to control the rhythm through patient circulation and wide attacks. On the other side, Atlético Mineiro pressed high and aimed for quick transitions to exploit their offensive power. However, both the Argentine defense and the Brazilian block responded solidly whenever they were tested.

A race against time as Argentine fans struggled to arrive

The pre-match buildup was marked by an unexpected situation at the border. According to Paraguay’s National Director of Migration, Jorge Kronawetter, around 40 buses carrying Lanús fans arrived late to the boundary area between Clorinda (Argentina) and Puerto Falcón (Paraguay), disrupting the coordinated entry plan set for the operation.

Kronawetter confirmed that, by midday, only 20 of the 60 buses had managed to cross, due to a delayed departure from Buenos Aires. Both Argentine and Paraguayan officials worked at full capacity at the joint migration checkpoint to speed up the process and allow as many supporters as possible to reach Asunción in time for kickoff.

Meanwhile, Paraguay’s National Police carried out security inspections on the vehicles and belongings of the fans who did cross, as part of the protocol to prevent incidents inside and outside the stadium.

The Brazilian crowd arrives without issues

While the Lanús supporters faced setbacks, the Brazilian caravan advanced smoothly. Kronawetter said that 66 buses carrying Atlético Mineiro fans had entered earlier in the day through the Friendship Bridge, which connects Foz do Iguaçu with Ciudad del Este. From there, they began their 323-kilometer journey to Asunción.

With both fanbases already on Paraguayan soil —some early, others racing the clock— the Defensores del Chaco offered a spectacular atmosphere worthy of a continental final.

The 0-0 halftime score leaves everything on the line. Both Lanús and Atlético Mineiro will come out in the second half looking to break the deadlock and write a new chapter in Copa Sudamericana history.