Flamengo vs Estudiantes | Highlights | Copa Libertadores
Estudiantes survived with 10 men against Flamengo and found their hero in Fernando Muslera. The Argentine side prevailed in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the Copa Libertadores final against Palmeiras.
The Maracanã witnessed a remarkable night in the Copa Libertadores as Estudiantes de La Plata eliminated Flamengo in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw, securing their place in the final.
The Argentine side surprised their opponents from the opening whistle. Rather than sitting back against the defending champions, they played with confidence and created the clearest chances of the first half.
In the 15th minute, Pires connected with a corner and forced goalkeeper Agustín Rossi into a save. Marcos Rojo nearly scored from the rebound, but Alex Sandro made a crucial clearance.
Just one minute later, Baltasar Rodríguez unleashed a powerful long-range effort that Rossi tipped onto the post.
Flamengo responded by controlling possession, with Pedro producing an impressive individual move in the 32nd minute, but neither team could find the breakthrough.
A Red Card Changes Everything
The second half began with a major setback for Estudiantes. In the 48th minute, Baltasar Rodríguez received his second yellow card, leaving the Argentine side with 10 men.
With a numerical advantage, Flamengo took control of possession but struggled to turn their dominance into clear chances. Estudiantes defended with discipline, closed down spaces, and forced the Brazilian side into predictable passing sequences.
When opportunities finally arrived, Fernando Muslera stepped up.
In the 81st minute, the Uruguayan goalkeeper denied Gonzalo Plata's header following a pass from Lucas Paquetá. Five minutes later, Paquetá came close with another header that went narrowly wide.
The score remained 0-0 at the final whistle, sending the semifinal to penalties.
Muslera Becomes the Penalty Shootout Hero
The shootout began with successful attempts from Giorgian de Arrascaeta and José Sosa, but the night soon belonged to one man.
Muslera saved penalties from Jorginho and Lucas Paquetá, while Estudiantes stayed in contention despite Edwuin Cetré missing his retaken attempt after slipping and making a double touch on his initial kick.
Léo Pereira converted for Flamengo, but Mancuso and Palacios kept the Argentine side ahead.
Finally, Bruno Henrique was denied by another decisive save from Muslera, sealing Estudiantes' qualification.
After a 17-year wait, the club from La Plata are back in the Copa Libertadores final. They will face Palmeiras in a rematch of the historic 1968 final.
Key Takeaways From Estudiantes' Qualification
- Estudiantes held Flamengo to a 0-0 draw and advanced to the Copa Libertadores final after a dramatic penalty shootout.
- Fernando Muslera saved three penalties, denying Jorginho, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Henrique.
- The Argentine side played with 10 men from the 48th minute and reached their first continental final in 17 years.
