- The CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026 semi-final first legs delivered important victories, memorable goals and decisive performances. Meet the Team of the Week.
- Atlético Mineiro and Vasco da Gama contribute five players each, while Boca Juniors complete the line-up with one representative.
The CONMEBOL Sudamericana took another step towards the Grand Final, which will be played in Barranquilla on 21 November. Vasco da Gama pulled off an away win against Boca Juniors, while Atlético Mineiro produced a commanding performance to beat Montevideo City Torque in Belo Horizonte, capping an eventful week in the battle for the ‘Great Conquest’.
The Team of the Week, presented by EA SPORTS FC, brings together eleven standout performers from these decisive fixtures.
Léo Jardim (Vasco da Gama)
The experienced goalkeeper recorded his third consecutive clean sheet in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana knockout stage, helping Vasco take a lead, albeit a narrow one, into the home second leg against Boca Juniors in Rio de Janeiro.
Paulo Henrique (Vasco da Gama)
The right-back was a reliable presence in the side managed by Portuguese coach Pedro Emanuel. He was combative and tenacious in defence, but also made his mark going forward with his attacking runs, ability to beat opponents and tireless work down the flank. He has become a key figure in Vasco’s defence as the club dream of reaching another continental final.
Lyanco (Atlético Mineiro)
The Galo centre-back provided solidity at the back for the Belo Horizonte side, who built a memorable home win from the back forward. The result means they can travel to Montevideo with confidence ahead of the second leg.
Robert Renan (Vasco da Gama)
The left-sided centre-back in the Cruz-Maltino defence played a key role in helping Léo Jardim keep a clean sheet. At just 23, he displayed a level of composure beyond his years in the demanding continental setting of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana semi-finals. That quality also made him one of the standout performers in the first leg at La Bombonera.
Lautaro Blanco (Boca Juniors)
The left-back, who captained the side in the absence of the injured Leandro Paredes, is a mainstay of the Xeneize defence. He showed his defensive qualities against Vasco’s formidable attack while also providing a regular outlet down the left flank. His contributions — including a shot against the crossbar and several accurate crosses for his team-mates — kept Léo Jardim busy throughout.
Adson (Vasco da Gama)
Vasco da Gama’s foremost attacking threat. In this edition of the ‘Great Conquest’, he has scored five goals and provided three assists. In the semi-final first leg against Boca Juniors, he once again proved decisive, scoring the only goal of an unforgettable night at La Bombonera.
Victor Hugo (Atlético Mineiro)
The midfielder, who plays under Argentine manager Eduardo Domínguez, is increasingly establishing himself as an indispensable part of the team. In the Brazilian side’s emphatic win over Montevideo City Torque, he joined in with their attacking moves and set up Reinier’s opener, which put Atlético on course for victory.
Santiago Sosa (Vasco da Gama)
The Rio de Janeiro side’s defensive midfielder has earned a regular starting place since arriving at the club. A proven performer, he won the CONMEBOL Sudamericana with Racing Club and has brought the balance Vasco were seeking in midfield.
Bernard (Atlético Mineiro)
Captain, goalscorer and standout performer. The Brazilian is enjoying an outstanding spell at the Galo. He scored Atlético Mineiro’s second goal in Belo Horizonte, but also consistently offered himself as a passing option, contributed defensively and came close to securing another major international final with the Minas Gerais club.
Thiago Borbas (Atlético Mineiro)
The Uruguayan forward is always an option in Atlético Mineiro’s well-stocked attack. He came on midway through the second half against Montevideo City Torque and made an immediate impact, showing his finishing ability by scoring the third goal of the night.
Reinier (Atlético Mineiro)
The Brasília-born forward has been one of the standout players in the Galo’s CONMEBOL Sudamericana campaign this season. In 2025, when the Brazilian side reached the final, he did not score. This time around, he has already registered three goals — including the opener against the Ciudadano — and one assist.
