In 1995 Héctor Cúper took charge of the team at the start of the Apertura. Lanús finished 3rd by goal difference and 2nd in points. The next year turned out to be one of the club's most important. Lanús brought in Claudio Enría from Newell's and Gonzalo Belloso. In the Clausura, Lanús was placed 1st with 3 fixtures remaining, but couldn't maintain the spot and eventually finished 3rd. In the second spell of the year, the club brought in Oscar Mena, Gustavo Falaschi and Gustavo Siviero. Lanús had to face two tournaments at once for the first time in their history, the local tournament and the Copa CONMEBOL. In the local tournament, they finished 3rd once again.