Lanús and Atlético Mineiro arrive at a historic final, but the buildup also revives a particular rivalry: the one between their managers, Mauricio Pellegrino and Jorge Sampaoli, who will meet again almost a decade after facing each other in Spain. Today, with very different paths behind them, both aim to add a new chapter to their careers as they fight for the Copa Sudamericana title.

A final with unfinished business between Pellegrino and Sampaoli

The last time the two Argentine coaches crossed paths was during the 2016-2017 LaLiga season. Back then, Pellegrino was in charge of Deportivo Alavés, while Sampaoli led Sevilla. Their duels ended with one win for the Andalusian side and a draw, leaving Pellegrino without a victory over Sampaoli. Now, both arrive in Asunción with the chance to settle a long-standing score.

Pellegrino, a Copa Libertadores champion as a player with Vélez under Carlos Bianchi, is chasing his first managerial title. After spells with Valencia, Estudiantes, Independiente, Southampton, Leganés, Cádiz and Universidad de Chile, the coach landed at Lanús determined to fight again for international silverware. His team will play its third Sudamericana final, after winning it in 2013 and losing the 2020 edition.

On the other side is Sampaoli, a coach with global experience and multiple trophies, including the 2011 Sudamericana with Universidad de Chile and the 2015 Copa América with the Chilean national team. Now in his second spell in charge of Atlético Mineiro, he seeks to win the only international trophy the club has yet to claim, having already lifted the Copa Libertadores, Recopa Sudamericana and the now-defunct Copa Conmebol.

Sudamericana: history, champions and Argentine dominance

Saturday’s final also invites a look at the competition’s record book. Which team has won the Copa Sudamericana the most times? Argentina leads the list comfortably with ten titles shared among Boca, Independiente, San Lorenzo, Arsenal, Lanús, River, Defensa y Justicia and Racing. Brazil follows with five trophies thanks to Athletico Paranaense, Inter de Porto Alegre, São Paulo and Chapecoense, while Ecuador has four with Liga de Quito and Independiente del Valle.

As for the clubs with the most titles, the top spot is shared: Boca, Independiente, Athletico Paranaense, Liga de Quito and Independiente del Valle each have two. If Lanús lifts the trophy in Asunción, it will join that select group. If the glory goes to Brazil, Atlético Mineiro will celebrate its first Sudamericana and complete an unprecedented international collection for the club.

The only certainty is that this final will deliver not just a champion, but a new chapter in the story of a competition defined by parity, surprises and managers who, like Pellegrino and Sampaoli, keep crossing paths exactly where fate brings them together.