Lanús vs Mirassol – News and Probable Lineups

On Tuesday, May 26, Lanus will face Mirassol at the Estadio Ciudad de Lanus in Greater Buenos Aires during the last round of the Copa Libertadores group stage, with the Brazilian side already safely through as Group G leaders, while the Argentine team fights to earn a place in the Copa Sudamericana.

In a remarkable first Copa Libertadores campaign, Mirassol has become one of the unexpected contenders, while last season’s Copa Sudamericana champions, Lanus, seem to be struggling to match their previous continental success.

Match overview

Heading into their match in Argentina, Mirassol is filled with confidence after a 1-0 victory over Fluminense at home in the 17th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, thanks to a crucial goal from Denilson. Despite this win, the Leao Caipira currently sits 18th in the standings with 16 points, two behind Santos who occupy the final relegation place.

Even with their challenges domestically, the club from Sao Paulo has thrived in the Copa Libertadores, amassing 12 points from their first five matches to secure early qualification in a group featuring continental champions. A draw against Lanús would be sufficient to confirm their top spot.

Rafael Guanaes’s team also lifted their spirits in the latest league match by putting pressure on rivals Santos and Corinthians in their fight against relegation, just ahead of the World Cup break.

As they prepare for the knockout stages, Mirassol might seek special permission from Conmebol to use the Maiao as their home ground following more than R$8 million invested in the stadium. Although its capacity does not meet the required standards, the club’s case could be bolstered by Independiente del Valle’s precedent from 2023.

Meanwhile, Lanus is currently in a rebuilding phase after their triumph in the 2025 Copa Sudamericana against Atletico Mineiro, but their Copa Libertadores journey has been underwhelming, with Mauricio Pellegrino’s team sitting in third place in the group with just six points from five matches.

After facing elimination in the Round of 16 in the Argentine championship, Lanus now has only the Copa Argentina match on May 30 as their remaining domestic commitment, although a win on Tuesday would keep their hopes alive to defend their Copa Sudamericana title.

While this situation is far from the expectations of Granates fans at the season’s start, the prospect of retaining their continental silverware after significant squad changes could still offer some hope.

Team News

Although Lanus has already been eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, Pellegrino may choose to field a strong side to avoid disappointing their dedicated home supporters, considering the upcoming Copa Argentina match.

The Argentine team will definitely miss forward Yoshan Valois, who is expected to be out until July due to a knee sprain. Additionally, defensive midfielder Raul Loaiza remains unavailable because of a muscle injury, with no confirmed return date.

Mirassol will also miss several players for the final match of the group stage, with left-back Victor Luís suspended following a red card received in the victory against Always Ready. Forwards Negueba and André Luís, along with left-back Igor Formiga, will also be absent.

With qualification already assured, Guanaes is likely to make some rotations in his squad before their Brasileirao fixture against Athletico at the Arena da Baixada later this week.

Lanus probable starting XI:

Losada; Guidara, Izquierdoz, Canale, Marcich; Cardozo, Biafore; Salvio, Moreno, Carrera; Walter Bou

Mirassol probable starting XI:

Wall; Daniel Borges, Joao Victor, Willian Machado, Reinaldo; Jose Aldo, Denilson; Alesson, Shaylon, Carlos Eduardo; Edson Carioca

With a historic qualification already in place and facing increasing pressure in the Brasileirao, Mirassol will likely head to Greater Buenos Aires with a rotated squad due to their demanding schedule and lengthy journey.

Conversely, Lanus has the opportunity to regain some pride in front of their home crowd and keep their hopes alive of defending the Copa Sudamericana title, with their unbeaten home streak nearing three months, further enhancing their chances of finishing the group stage positively.