Rafael Nogueira
The decisive second leg of the Recopa Sudamericana between Flamengo and Lanús at the Maracanã will be officiated by Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera.
With Lanús leading 1-0 from the first leg, the stakes are high. Flamengo must win by two goals to lift the trophy in regular time, while a one-goal victory would push the match into extra time and potentially penalties. Lanús need only a draw to secure the title.
Who Is Gustavo Tejera?
Born on January 20, 1988, in Montevideo, Gustavo Tejera is 38 years old and has been part of FIFA’s international refereeing list for approximately six years. He is regarded as one of Uruguay’s emerging international officials, gradually gaining experience in high-level CONMEBOL competitions.
In recent seasons, Tejera has officiated World Cup qualifiers, Pre-Olympic tournaments, Copa Libertadores qualifiers, and Sudamericana matches, steadily building his continental profile.
Refereeing Style & Discipline Trends
In 2026, Tejera has overseen three matches, issuing seven yellow cards and no red cards. While the sample size is limited, the numbers suggest a relatively tolerant approach, favoring game flow over frequent stoppages.
However, context matters. Finals — especially second legs with aggregate pressure — often generate emotional intensity that can quickly escalate.
Key considerations:
- Flamengo will likely dominate possession and apply sustained pressure.
- Lanús may rely on tactical fouls to disrupt rhythm and protect their aggregate lead.
- VAR involvement could be decisive in potential penalty or red-card situations.
Previous Experience with Lanús
Tejera has officiated Lanús twice before, with both matches ending in victories for the Argentine side. While historical referee-team trends rarely determine outcomes, they add an interesting subplot to this encounter.
Full Officiating Team
| Role | Name | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Main Referee | Gustavo Tejera | Uruguay |
| Assistant 1 | Nicolás Tarán | Uruguay |
| Assistant 2 | Carlos Barreiro | Uruguay |
| Fourth Official | José Burgos | Uruguay |
| Fifth Official | Andrés Nievas | Uruguay |
| VAR | Andrés Cunha | Uruguay |
| AVAR 1 | Miguel Araos | Chile |
| AVAR 2 | Richard Trinidad | Uruguay |
| AVAR 3 | José Cabero | Chile |
The appointment of a fully South American crew, led by experienced VAR official Andrés Cunha, underlines the importance of this continental final.
Could the Match Go to Extra Time?
The first leg finished 1-0 in favor of Lanús, courtesy of a second-half goal from Rodrigo Castillo.
The second leg scenarios are straightforward:
- Flamengo win by 2+ goals: Flamengo lift the trophy in regular time.
- Flamengo win by 1 goal: Match goes to extra time and possibly penalties.
- Draw or Lanús win: Lanús are crowned champions.
Given Flamengo’s attacking urgency and Lanús’ defensive setup, Tejera’s management of physical duels and emotional reactions could influence momentum swings.
Final Analysis
Gustavo Tejera is not known for excessive disciplinary intervention, but knockout finals rarely follow predictable patterns.
If Flamengo apply early pressure and the Maracanã crowd intensifies the atmosphere, the referee’s authority and consistency will be tested. Calm management could allow the game to flow. Early bookings, on the other hand, could dramatically shift the psychological dynamic.
In a final where margins are thin, officiating decisions may not decide the match — but they can certainly shape it.