Recopa Sudamericana

Lore & Background

The competition has had several formats. Initially, the champions of the Copa Libertadores and Supercopa Libertadores contested it. In 1998, the Supercopa Libertadores was discontinued and the Recopa went into a hiatus. The competition has been played with either a two-legged series or a single match at a neutral venue. If the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana are won by the same team, the runners-up of both competitions play to decide the Recopa participant. The most recent champion is Argentine club Lanús, having beaten Brazilian club Flamengo in the 2026 edition. Argentine club Boca Juniors is the most successful club with four titles. Brazilian clubs have the most victories (thirteen) and the most different winning teams (ten). The cup has been won by 24 clubs, four of which won consecutively: São Paulo (1994), LDU Quito (2010), Boca Juniors (2006), and River Plate (2016).

In Their Own Story

The narrative of this edition is one of dominance within a single metropolis. As the only Recopa Sudamericana decided by two teams from São Paulo state and city, the rivalry carried intense local stakes. On July 3, Corinthians traveled to Estádio do Morumbi to face their neighbors São Paulo, emerging victorious with a 2–1 scoreline that set the tone for the tie. The momentum never wavered; returning home on July 17 to Estádio do Pacaembu, the team executed a flawless 2–0 win in the second leg. This double triumph ensured Corinthians lifted the trophy without needing extra time or penalties, as their aggregate lead was insurmountable. By securing both legs, they established a unique record that stands as of 2025: no other Recopa has featured such an all-São Paulo final.

Reader's Guide

The Recopa Sudamericana does not use extra time or away goals. From 1988 to 1995, teams received 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss. From 1995 onward, the three-points-for-a-win system was adopted. If teams are level on points after two legs, goal difference is used; if still tied, penalty kicks decide the winner. The competition takes place in mid-winter, between the champions of the previous year's competitions.

Did You Know?

• The first edition was played in 1989 between Uruguayan club Nacional and Argentinian side Racing, with Nacional winning 4–1 on points.
• The 1990 edition was played in Miami between Atlético Nacional and Boca Juniors, with Boca Juniors winning 0–1.
• Olimpia of Paraguay won the 1991 Recopa without playing a match, as they won both the Copa Libertadores and Supercopa Sudamericana.
• São Paulo won the 1993 and 1994 finals, becoming the first team to retain the title.
• The 1995 edition was an all-Argentinian affair, with Independiente defeating Vélez Sársfield 1–0 in Tokyo.