Copa Sudamericana

• Live

	beIN SPORTS » Seasons 2019-2022 Available on: beIN SPORTS beIN SPORTS en Español beIN SPORTS CONNECT
	Fanatiz USA » Seasons 2019-2022
	fuboTV » Seasons 2019-2022

The Copa Sudamericana is the second most relevant club competition in South America. This tournament was created in 2002, replacing the Copa Merconorte and Copa Mercosur trophies. San Lorenzo won the inaugural title.

After several changes to its format, 44 teams qualify directly for the competition and kick off the first stage. The 22 winners are joined in the second stage by 10 teams eliminated from the Copa Libertadores. The 16 teams that emerge from this round enter the final stages.

The KO round of this tournament is played by all 32 teams in a two-legged format. In fact, all games are held on a home-and-away basis with the exception of the final, which is a one-off tie. The team boasting the highest seeding number hosts the return leg. The final is played at a neutral venue, a decision that was made from the 2019 edition onward.

The winner of this competition is rewarded with a spot in three different tournaments. First off, they get to play in the Recopa Sudamericana against the winner of the Copa Libertadores. Furthermore, the champion of this competition also enters the group stage of the Copa Libertadores. Finally, they secure a showdown with the J.League Cup winner in the intercontinental J.League Cup / Copa Sudamericana Championship.

The Copa Sudamericana has been blessed by the presence of some of South America’s biggest clubs. Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Arsenal, Internacional, and Sao Paulo are just a few of the teams to enjoy success in this competition. As a result, it enjoys impressive viewership numbers via TV broadcasters, live streaming options, and on-demand services.

The tournament was also home to one of the saddest tragedies in football history. In 2016, Brazilian side Chapecoense suffered a heartbreaking airplane crash en route to the final, claiming the lives of 71 people in total, including almost the entire first team and managerial staff. That final was indefinitely suspended due to the catastrophe. Their opponent Atlético Nacional conceded the tie and requested Chapecoense be awarded the title, which they later were.