The first leg of the 2025 Copa Sudamericana semifinals delivered everything fans could hope for. In an empty Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Universidad de Chile and Lanús battled to an intense 2-2 draw, in a match filled with goals, controversy, emotion, and a last-minute twist that leaves the tie completely open.

Things started poorly for the home side. Rodrigo Castillo stunned the stadium by scoring a first-half brace for Lanús, showcasing the Argentine side’s efficiency and composure under pressure. With a 2-0 lead, Mauricio Pellegrino’s men looked in control — organized, patient, and confident.

But La U came alive in the second half, driven by energy and pride. Lucas Di Yorio pulled one back in the 68th minute after a brilliant team move, reigniting belief among the Chilean fans. From that moment, the home side pushed relentlessly, and deep into stoppage time, a handball inside the box gave Charles Aránguiz the chance to equalize from the penalty spot. The veteran midfielder kept his cool, converting in the 94th minute to seal a dramatic 2-2 draw.

The draw keeps the tie perfectly balanced ahead of the return leg in Argentina, where Lanús will aim to capitalize on home advantage. For Universidad de Chile, the stoppage-time equalizer was a deserved reward for their persistence and fighting spirit after a difficult first half.

For Lanús, the result is bittersweet. They dominated large stretches of the match and seemed poised for victory, only to see their advantage slip away in the dying moments.

The decisive match will take place next week at Estadio Néstor Díaz Pérez (La Fortaleza), where Lanús will try to book their place in the Copa Sudamericana final. Meanwhile, Universidad de Chile will look to replicate their second-half intensity and find a way to pull off an upset on Argentine soil.

The stage is set for a thrilling return leg — one that could define the next great chapter in both clubs’ continental stories.