Lanús — Fluminense : Match Preview and Prediction for September 17,2025

Recent Form and Offensive Struggles

The Argentine side approaches this match following a narrow 1-0 victory over Independiente Rivadavia in their league campaign. The lone goal was scored by Walter Bou, breaking his 19-game goalless streak. However, this single goal doesn’t change the overall picture: the “Granates'” offense is experiencing significant difficulties with goal conversion.

Attack Crisis and Performance

The statistics speak volumes. In their last eight encounters, Lanús has managed to score only six goals. This attacking crisis was particularly evident in the Round of 16, where the team struggled immensely to overcome Central Córdoba, progressing only via a penalty shootout after failing to establish a significant lead during regular play.

Injury Woes for Lanús

Adding to their woes is a lengthy injury list. Coach Mauricio Pellegrino is unable to rely on several key players, including Ronaldo Dejesus, Felipe Peña Biafore, Franco Watson, Ramiro Carrera, and Juan Ramírez. These absences, particularly in midfield and defense, severely impact the team’s balance ahead of a clash with such a formidable opponent.

Fluminense’s Strategic Rotation and Cup Focus

The Brazilians, on the other hand, suffered a 0-1 defeat to Corinthians in their last league fixture. However, this result should not be misleading. Coach Renato Gaúcho deliberately opted for squad rotation, fielding a reserve lineup to rest key players ahead of the crucial away trip to Argentina.

Cup Priorities and Strong Sudamericana Form

Fluminense’s priorities are clearly focused on cup competitions. The team has reached the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil, and in the Round of 16, they confidently dispatched Colombian side América de Cali with a commanding 4-1 aggregate victory. This demonstrates a completely different mindset and level of concentration for knockout matches from the Brazilian squad.

Solid Defense and Attacking Concerns

Fluminense’s defense in this season’s has been almost impenetrable. Veteran Thiago Silva anchors the defensive line, while 44-year-old goalkeeper Fábio has performed miracles, keeping five clean sheets in six tournament games. There are, however, some nuances in attack: leading scorer Germán Cano has not scored in five consecutive games, and following Jhon Arias’s departure to the Premier League, the team has lost some of its offensive potency.