Flamengo edge Estudiantes, a draw away from Libertadores semis | OneFootball

With a Devastating First Half, Flamengo Secured Victory Over Estudiantes (ARG)

Flamengo took an important step towards advancing to the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores. On Thursday (18), the Rubro-Negro won 2-1 against Estudiantes (ARG) at Maracanã and can even draw in La Plata to continue in the tournament.

The goals of the match were scored by Pedro and Varela, both before ten minutes of play (Carillo scored at the end). Therefore, Flamengo set the stage for qualification, which Filipe Luís's team will try to seal next Thursday (25) in Argentina.

HOW WAS THE FIRST HALF?

The start of the game was a dream, with a goal just 15 seconds in. At the kickoff, Gonzalo Plata received the ball on the right and passed to Pedro in the area. The number 9 turned, shot with his left foot, and celebrated. A lightning goal at Maracanã! Mengão was unstoppable!

It didn't take long for the score to be extended. Indeed, at eight minutes, Ayrton Lucas went deep and crossed to the far post. Completely free, Varela struck the ball with a 'whip' and scored a stunning goal! A show at Maraca, and a celebration for the Nation.

It was all Mengo! At 19 minutes, Pedro received the ball in the area, cut past the defense, and faced goalkeeper Muslera one-on-one. However, the Uruguayan performed a miracle, preventing the third goal. At 28', another chance, this time with Samuel Lino, who shot awkwardly after a cross from Varela, but the ball went just wide of the post.

A textbook first half for Flamengo. Thus, Mengo had 11 shots, compared to three from the opponent. Additionally, the Rubro-Negro ended the first half with 61% possession. Therefore, the 2-0 score was lenient for Estudiantes.

HOW WAS THE SECOND HALF?

Just like in the first half, Flamengo started strong in the second half. After a play by Ayrton Lucas, Samuel Lino forced Muslera to make a great save at five minutes. At six, Plata received from Pedro inside the area but shot weakly into the goalkeeper's hands.

With the favorable score from the first half, Flamengo relaxed in the second half and indulged in showboating. Refined touches, including a backheel from Pedro in midfield, set the tone for the final stage. Additionally, the Rubro-Negro showed signs of fatigue, until Saúl went down on the field, making way for Allan at 20'.

Estudiantes didn't create much but balanced the possession, reaching 50% to 50% midway through the second half. Therefore, Filipe Luís called on Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo to replace Pedro and Arrascaeta, to inject fresh energy into Flamengo.

At 37 minutes, it turned into drama for Flamengo. Referee Andrés Rojas invented a second yellow card for Gonzalo Plata in a play where the forward was clearly fouled. Thus, the Most Beloved was left with one less player in the final moments, and Estudiantes pushed forward. To reorganize the team, Filipe Luís took out Samuel Lino and brought in Danilo.

In stoppage time, Estudiantes scored the goal that kept the Argentine team alive in the contest. After a ball in the area, Carrillo took advantage and silenced Maracanã for a few seconds. The result was on the account of the refereeing, which ROBBED Flamengo.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT MATCH?

The return match between Flamengo and Estudiantes will be next Thursday (25) in La Plata, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time). Before that, however, Mengão will face Vasco in a classic match. This Sunday (21), the ball will roll for the Brasileirão at Maracanã, at 5:30 PM (Brasília time).

MATCH DETAILS FLAMENGO 2X1 ESTUDIANTES Competition: Copa Libertadores da América, quarterfinals, first leg Location: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro Date: September 18, 2025, Thursday Goals: Pedro 15 seconds/1st, Varela 8’/1st, Carrillo 46’/2nd

LINEUPS

Flamengo: Agustín Rossi; Guillermo Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; De La Cruz, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Samuel Lino, Gonzalo Plata and Pedro. Coach: Filipe Luís.

Estudiantes: Fernando Muslera; Román Gómez, Santiago Núñez, Facundo Rodríguez and Santiago Arzamendia; Lucas Piovi, Facundo Farías, Santiago Ascacíbar, Mikel Amondarain and Cristian Medina; Guido Carrillo. Coach: Eduardo Domínguez.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.