A museum-worthy aerial wonder. In the second leg of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana quarterfinals, Fluminense hosted Lanús at the Maracanã Stadium and witnessed a moment of pure sporting ecstasy. In the 27th minute, Canobbio launched himself in front of the rival defense to connect with a cross and score with a spectacular bicycle kick, sending the ball to the far post to seal the 1-0 that leveled the series.

That stunning strike began with a move down the left wing: Colombian Serna broke free, reached the byline, and delivered a lofted cross. Lucho Acosta flicked it with his head, setting up the Uruguayan in the heart of the six-yard box. There, Canobbio didn’t hesitate: he elevated his body, balanced himself midair, and finished with his opposite leg, leaving both the defense and the goalkeeper stunned.

The goal was not only aesthetically breathtaking but also carried huge value: it tied the aggregate score at 1-1, after Lanús had won 1-0 in the first leg. For 26-year-old Canobbio, it was his second goal in this year’s competition, adding to the assist he had already provided.

The stage and the context: Fluminense under pressure

This Tuesday, Fluminense has everything on the line at home. They need to win by two goals to advance directly to the semifinals; a one-goal victory would take the match to penalties, while a draw would see the Argentine side through.

Although playing at home —and riding an impressive 12-match unbeaten streak in the Sudamericana (10 wins and 2 draws)— Flu’s form elsewhere has been inconsistent. In their last five domestic league matches, they’ve managed two wins, one draw, and two defeats, leaving them eighth in the Brasileirao, far behind leaders Flamengo.

For this decisive clash, the absence of Ganso, sidelined with a left calf injury, is a major blow. Nonato is also doubtful due to tendonitis in his right foot, which could open the door for Lucho Acosta to play in a more advanced role.

Lanús, holding the advantage and ready to resist

Meanwhile, Lanús arrives confident and resolute. Their first-leg goal complicated the Carioca side, and coach Mauricio Pellegrino is unlikely to make many changes: he could field the same starting XI as in Buenos Aires, with players like Felipe Peña Biafore, Juan Edgardo Ramírez, Ramiro Carrera, Colombian Raúl Loaiza, and Paraguayan Ronaldo Dejesús still sidelined by injury.

El Granate knows their mission isn’t to attack, but to protect their advantage and control the tempo. If they can frustrate Fluminense into desperation, they could land the decisive blow in Rio and keep their Sudamericana dream alive.