Qualifying for the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final has put Atlético in a prominent position in South American football. With four continental finals played or already secured in the 21st century, Galo ranks second among Brazilian clubs with the most finals in South America's two main competitions: the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana.
The club shares the position with Palmeiras, São Paulo and Athletico-PR, all with four finals. Flamengo leads the rankings, with five finals since 2001.
Of the four finals Atlético has reached, two were in the Copa Libertadores, in 2013 and 2024, and two in the Copa Sudamericana, in 2025 and 2026. That record includes the historic 2013 Libertadores triumph, when Galo lifted the continent's most prestigious trophy for the first time.
Three consecutive continental finals
Atlético's international standing has grown even stronger in recent seasons. For the third consecutive year, Galo is ending its continental campaign with a shot at the title.
In 2024, Atlético reached the Libertadores final, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The following year, the club reached the Copa Sudamericana final, held in Asunción, Paraguay. Now, in 2026, the destination will be Barranquilla, Colombia.
This run reinforces Galo's place among the leading clubs in South American football and marks a milestone in the club's recent history. Since Arena MRV opened in August 2023, every Atlético continental campaign has ended with the team reaching the final.
The latest final berth was secured last Wednesday (21), after Atlético overcame Montevideo City Torque in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals. Galo won the first leg 3–0 at Arena MRV and secured qualification with a 3–2 aggregate score.
Galo's four finals in the 21st century
• 2013 – Copa Libertadores: champions against Paraguay's Olimpia, winning the title in a penalty shootout at the Mineirão.
• 2024 – Copa Libertadores: finalists against Botafogo at the Estadio Monumental de Núñez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• 2025 – Copa Sudamericana: finalists against Argentina's Lanús at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, Paraguay.
• 2026 – Copa Sudamericana: a place secured in the final against Argentina's Boca Juniors at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Atlético will face Boca Juniors on November 21, seeking its first Copa Sudamericana title and another glorious chapter in its century-long history.
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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.