Copa Sudamericana: Brazilian Clubs Face Mixed Results in Opening Matches

The opening round of the Copa Sudamericana brought a mix of triumph and frustration for Brazilian teams. Fluminense secured a crucial away win to break their winless streak, while Cruzeiro suffered a last-minute defeat and Atlético-MG was left frustrated in a goalless draw. As the tournament progresses, these clubs will look to build momentum and improve their standing in the group stage.

Learn more: 2025 Copa Sudamericana: Brazilian Teams Set to Shine

Once Caldas 0-1 Fluminense

Fluminense ended a four-match drought with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Once Caldas in their Copa Sudamericana Group D opener. Playing under interim coach Marcão following Mano Menezes' departure, the Brazilian side secured a crucial away win in Manizales.

Once Caldas dominated early, frequently attacking down Fluminense's left flank, but veteran goalkeeper Fábio made key saves to keep them at bay. Fluminense struggled in midfield but found a breakthrough through the Arias-Cano connection. Jhon Arias delivered a pinpoint cross for Germán Cano, who clinically finished to put the visitors ahead.

The second half saw a drop in intensity, with both teams making errors that disrupted attacking play. Once Caldas tested Fluminense with long-range efforts but failed to convert, while Fluminense squandered two late chances to extend their lead.

With three points, Fluminense sits atop Group D and will face San José at Maracanã next Thursday. Before that, they return to Brazilian league action against Red Bull Bragantino on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.

Unión Santa Fe 1-0 Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro endured a disappointing start to their Copa Sudamericana campaign, falling 1-0 to Unión Santa Fe in Argentina. Diego Díaz netted the decisive goal in the dying moments, handing the Brazilian side an uphill battle in Group E, which also includes Palestino (Chile) and Mushuc Runa (Ecuador).

Defensive frailties continue to haunt Cruzeiro, who have now conceded in 11 consecutive matches this season. Under coach Leonardo Jardim, the team has allowed six goals in their last five games.

Both teams now shift focus to domestic competition. Unión Santa Fe hosts Central Córdoba on Sunday, while Cruzeiro faces Internacional in Porto Alegre. In the Sudamericana, Cruzeiro will seek redemption at home against Mushuc Runa next Wednesday, while Unión visits Palestino in Chile.

Cienciano 0-0 Atlético-MG

Atlético-MG was left frustrated in their Copa Sudamericana opener, drawing 0-0 against Cienciano at the Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium in Cusco. Despite controlling possession and creating several opportunities, the Brazilian club failed to find the net.

Caracas leads Group H after a 2-1 victory over Deportes Iquique, leaving Atlético-MG and Cienciano tied on one point. Iquique sits at the bottom with no points.

Atlético-MG now turns its attention to the Brasileirão, where they will host São Paulo at Mineirão on Sunday. Their next continental clash is set for April 10, when they welcome Deportes Iquique to Belo Horizonte.

Other Copa Sudamericana Tuesday games

Group A

• Nacional Potosí 2 – 0 Independiente: Playing at the Estadio Víctor Agustín Ugarte in Potosí, Bolivia, Nacional Potosí secured a solid victory over Argentina's Independiente. The Bolivian side's disciplined performance earned them three crucial points to kick off their campaign.

Group B

• Boston River 3 – 3 Guaraní: In a thrilling encounter at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay's Boston River and Paraguay's Guaraní battled to a 3-3 draw. Both teams showcased attacking prowess, sharing the spoils in this high-scoring affair.

Group C

• Deportes Iquique 1 – 2 Caracas FC: Chilean side Deportes Iquique faced a 1-2 defeat against Venezuela's Caracas FC at Estadio Tierra de Campeones in Iquique. Caracas FC's resilient performance on the road earned them an important away victory.