Danubio caused the major upset of the fifth round of the Copa Sudamericana, defeating the previously unbeaten Athletico Paranaense in Brazil, 1-2, in Group E.

The Uruguayan team executed a superb and unexpected display of efficiency with two goals, scored by Ignacio Pintos and Sebastián Fernández, within a thirteen-minute span in the first half.

Paranaense's game, leading the Brazilian Championship, worsened after falling behind in the score, unable to approach the opponent's area clearly and committing numerous defensive errors.

Only Argentine Lucas Di Yorio added some excitement with a goal in added time, which was insufficient.

The Curitiba side still tops the group with 12 points but will play for direct qualification to the round of 16 at home in the final match against Sportivo Ameliano from Paraguay, second with 10 points.

Behind them, Danubio (7) still has a lifeline, as the second-placed team will play a playoff against a third-placed team from the Copa Libertadores, while Venezuelan side Rayo Zuliano, bottom without points, has no chance.

Coach "Cuca" fielded his best team to solve the match as soon as possible and secure a spot in the round of 16.

Mastriani led the attack, and Fernandinho, the midfield. Nothing suggested they would have trouble securing their fifth victory in this group stage, having cruised with a balance of 16 goals scored and only 2 conceded.

They started dominating but without real bite. Mastriani was the most active. Zapelli, Cuello, and Erick also tried unsuccessfully.

Meanwhile, Danubio, currently at the bottom of the Uruguayan Apertura, showed precision and scored two goals from two counterattacks.

The first came from a lobbed cross from the right. Pintos anticipated Cuello and shot at close range.

The second was even more humiliating. A long goal kick, Kaíke Rocha misjudged it, Bento hesitated, and Sebastián Fernández, the smartest in the class, managed to poke the ball home.

Danubio could have scored a third before halftime in a fantastic move by Pintos, which Tizón narrowly missed finishing.

"Cuca" made four substitutions in the first fifteen minutes of the second half, including Uruguayan Agustín Canobbio.

But it wasn't enough. Paranaense played even more disjointedly than in the first half. Only Canobbio managed to get the crowd on their feet. Danubio gained confidence and plugged almost every hole. Di Yorio's goal in stoppage time came too late.