Flamengo defeats Estudiantes on penalties and advances to the Libertadores semifinals

The dream of a fourth title remains alive! With a thrilling display of emotion, Flamengo defeated Estudiantes 4-2 on penalties at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in Argentina, securing their place in the Copa Libertadores semifinals. In normal time, the Argentine team won 1-0 and forced a penalty shootout, where Rossi's star shined. The Flamengo goalkeeper saved two shots and was instrumental in Mengão's advancement. 

Now, the Mais Querido will face another Argentine. Filipe Luís's team faces Racing in the semifinals, with the first leg being played at Maracanã. One more step toward the Rubro-Negro reaching Lima, in the final match in pursuit of their fourth title. 

Support Flamengo from wherever you are ❤️. If you love the Most Beloved, become a Nation Fan Member starting at R$19,81/Month. Learn more at [website address]. nation.flamengo.com.br.

The game

Needing to overturn the first leg's result, Estudiantes began the match trying to attack by passing the ball around. However, the Flamengo defense was tight and gave the Argentines little space. After the initial pressure subsided, Flamengo began to assert itself, keeping the ball on the ground, and orchestrating offensive plays. 

In the first big opportunity, Jorginho stole the ball in midfield and passed to Plata, who fed Samuel Lino on the left. The forward passed to the middle of the box, the ball went past Arrascaeta and reached Pedro, who finished. Rodríguez, with a sliding tackle, cleared the danger for a corner. As the game progressed, Estudiantes threatened again, forcing Rossi to make a good save. 

Flamengo, in turn, responded in the 32nd minute with a Saúl shot that hit the post. The Spaniard controlled the ball just outside the box and fired a well-placed shot. Muslera deflected it before it hit the post and went out for a corner. In stoppage time, Estudiantes opened the scoring with Benedetti, who curled a first-time shot from inside the box past Rossi to make it 1-0. The result sent the match to penalties. 

At the start of the second half, the Argentines went on the attack looking for a second goal, but Flamengo quickly controlled possession and leveled the playing field. Coach Filipe Luís made the first changes to the team before the 15th minute. Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo came on for Pedro and Plata, respectively. 

In the 27th minute, Estudiantes scored their second goal, but VAR ruled Benedetti offside. After the disallowed goal, Flamengo tried to attack but encountered a wall to enter the opponent's box. In the final stretch, Flamengo went all-out to try to equalize the match, while the Argentine team hunkered down on defense and waited to counterattack. The match ended with an Estudiantes victory, sending the match to penalties. 

In the penalty shootout, Rossi's star shined, and Flamengo secured their place in the semifinals with a 4-2 victory. The Flamengo goalkeeper made the most of his former club's rules, saving two shots and being the hero of the night in La Plata. Jorginho, Luiz Araújo, Carrascal, and Léo Pereira scored for Mengão. The dream of a fourth title remains more alive than ever! 

Flamengo

Rossi; Varela, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saul and Arrascaeta (Carrascal); Plata (Luiz Araújo), Samuel Lino and Pedro (Bruno Henrique).
Coach: Filipe Luís. 

Students

Muslera; Román Gómez, Santiago Núñez, Facundo Rodríguez and Benedetti; Ascacíbar, Medina (Alexis Castro), Amondarain (Sosa) and Arzamendia (Cetré); Palacios (Pérez) and Carrillo (Alario).
Coach: Eduardo Dominguez. 

Week's agenda

The Most Beloved returns to the field next Sunday (28) to face Corinthians, at 20:30 pm, at Neo Química Arena, for the 25th round of the Brasileirão.

Technical sheet

Estudiantes 1(2)x(4)0 Flamengo – Conmebol Libertadores | Quarterfinals | Second leg
Location: Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, La Plata-ARG
Date and time: 25/09/2025 at 21:30 am
Arbitration: Piero Maza (CHI), Claudio Urrutia (CHI) and José Retamal (CHI)
Yellow cards: Léo Pereira (FLA) and Santiago Núñez (EST)
Goal: Benedetti (46'1st half).