Weekend Sports Showdown: Copa Sudamericana, Milan Derby, and Star Matchups!

From Milan to Vancouver

Football never takes a break, and as the international fixtures come to a close, the attention turns back to domestic leagues. This weekend promises thrilling encounters including the Copa Sudamericana final in Asunción, the highly anticipated Milan Derby, a showdown between two legendary players in the MLS, and crucial clashes in both France and Spain. In short, this weekend is packed with exciting matches from around the globe, and with insights from our global team, Transfermarkt is here to highlight five games to keep an eye on.

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Copa Sudamericana: Lanús vs Atlético Mineiro

Scott Christensen (Area Manager South America & Argentina) on Lanús:

Since the arrival of head coach Mauricio Pellegrino, Lanús has noticeably improved, reaching the Copa Sudamericana final for only the second time since winning it in 2013. Pellegrino is a dedicated coach with a clear strategy, bringing organization to a team that faced challenges last year.

Lanús typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, with key players including goalkeeper Nahuel Losada, left-back Sasha Marcich, midfielders Agustín Cardozo and Agustín Medina, as well as defenders Carlos Izquierdoz and Eduardo Salvio. The defense will be essential in containing Brazilian superstar Hulk. The standout player, however, is Marcelino Moreno, whose return has seen him excel in controlling attacks, scoring, and assisting. His influence has been pivotal in Lanús reaching the final.

Marcos Watts (Area Manager Brazil) on Atlético Mineiro:

The Copa Sudamericana final is crucial for Atlético Mineiro’s season. Despite a promising start with a state championship title, the team struggled in the Campeonato Brasileiro and had lackluster performances in the Sudamericana group stage. After a disappointing quarter-final exit in the Copa do Brasil against rivals Cruzeiro, they made a managerial change.

Currently mid-table in the Brasileirão, Atlético’s best chance of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores is by winning the Sudamericana—something that could relieve their supporters and add a second trophy to a season that began with high aspirations. Both teams have relied heavily on home advantage in knockout rounds, so a neutral venue for the final may lead to an evenly matched contest. Key players for Atlético include strikers Rony and Hulk, and goalkeeper Everson, who’s crucial for their success.

A win would also be significant for Jorge Sampaoli, potentially making him the first manager to win two Sudamericanas, and ending a five-year trophy drought since he last won with Atlético Mineiro in 2020.

Legends Collide in MLS: Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC

Manuel Veth (Area Manager North America):

This weekend, the Vancouver Whitecaps host LAFC in the MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference semifinal, featuring a thrilling matchup between Thomas Müller and Heung-Min Son. Both stars have excelled since their arrivals in MLS this summer, with Müller posting 11 goals and 6 assists in 15 games, while Son has tallied 10 goals and 4 assists in 12 matches.

While it’s common for seasoned players to join MLS, few have lived up to expectations like Müller and Son. Both arrived committed to the league, enhancing already strong teams. The Whitecaps have been a surprise this season, reaching the Concacaf Champions Cup final and displaying tactical brilliance under new manager Jesper Sørensen.

LAFC, on the other hand, has been a formidable attacking team. Son’s chemistry with Denis Bouanga has been explosive, making for a dynamic attack. The matchup has generated considerable excitement, as the Whitecaps have sold out all 55,000 seats at BC Place—setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating encounter.

Milan Derby: Inter Milan vs AC Milan

Stefano Buonfino (Content Manager Italy):

The Milan Derby is not just a fiercely contested match; it’s celebrated for its stunning ambiance. This year’s edition may be one of the last at San Siro as both clubs plan to build a new stadium, the modern Scala del Calcio.

In recent years, Inter has had the upper hand in this rivalry, winning six consecutive derbies. However, AC Milan turned the tide last season, claiming victories over Inter during key matches, including a significant 3-0 win in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

Max Allegri’s task is to maintain their dominance, while Cristian Chivu aims to reverse the trend. Inter seems to have a stronger squad, but Milan’s tactical approach could prove advantageous, especially if they exploit spaces in Inter’s defense. The outcome may hinge on how risk-averse Inter is, given their upcoming Champions League match, but an early goal could completely alter the game dynamics.

Ligue 1 Clash: Stade Rennais vs AS Monaco

Ronan Caroff (Area Manager France):

As Ligue 1 progresses, both Stade Rennais and AS Monaco find themselves in challenging positions despite their aspirations. Stade Rennais narrowly avoided coaching changes after a winless streak, while recently, they found form with victories over Strasbourg and Paris FC.

With Monaco only two points ahead and their new coach, Sébastien Pocognoli, who has seen mixed results in his early tenure, this clash is vital for both teams as they seek to secure European competition spots.

Watch for key players like Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Biereth for Monaco, while Stade Rennais’ rising star, 18-year-old Kader Meïté, is making waves in the squad.

Valencia Derby: Valencia vs Levante

Ivan Fuénte (Content Manager Spain):

The Valencia Derby sees both clubs struggling, positioned at the lower half of the table. Levante hasn’t seen a victory since early October, while Valencia’s last win came in September, making this match crucial for both sides to avoid relegation.

Historically, head-to-head matches have favored Valencia, maintaining an unbeaten record against Levante at home. Both clubs face relegation challenges but have some standout players. Levante’s top scorer, Karl Etta Eyong, alongside teammate Carlos Álvarez, could pose challenges for Valencia’s key defender, César Tarrega, who has been critical for Valencia this season.

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