Libertadores only: Estudiantes win 'mini-break' before Flamengo in Rio | OneFootball

Estudiantes (ARG) were eliminated from the Apertura Tournament by Racing (ARG) last Sunday (10)

Estudiantes (ARG) are now going all in on the Libertadores. After being knocked out in the round of 16 of the Argentine Championship (Apertura) by Racing (ARG), the team from La Plata will have a kind of forced ‘mini pre-season’ of nine days before the decisive clash against Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro.

The elimination from the domestic competition means the Argentine side can now focus 100% of its attention and energy on preparing for the match at the Maracanã. That is because the game against Flamengo could determine the team’s future in the continental tournament.

HOW DID ESTUDIANTES GO OUT?

The exit from the local tournament came in dramatic fashion at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium. Despite putting together what was considered a solid group-stage campaign in the Argentine competition, Estudiantes could not ‘break through the defense’ of Racing and ended up being punished late on.

The goal that sealed the home side’s elimination was scored by Santiago Sosa in the 44th minute of the second half. As a result, it prevented any immediate reaction and left Flamengo’s next opponent in the Libertadores without any domestic fixtures in the coming days.

THE SILVER LINING?

While saying goodbye to the Apertura frustrated the plans of Estudiantes fans, it also opened up a training window for the coaching staff. While Flamengo deal with the intense Brazilian football schedule, the team from La Plata will use this period without official matches to study the Most Beloved.

WHAT ABOUT FLAMENGO?

Unlike their Argentine rival, who will have exclusive time to prepare, Flamengo must pick themselves up after a painful elimination from the Copa do Brasil. With no time for regrets, Leonardo Jardim’s squad is forced to turn the page and focus on the Brasileirão.

That is because this Sunday (17), they face Athletico-PR at Arena da Baixada in a match valid for the 16th round of the national competition. Therefore, the Rubro-Negro will only be able to turn their attention to Estudiantes from the start of next week.

The rematch against the team from La Plata is scheduled for next Wednesday (20) at the Maracanã. Kickoff is at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) for the fifth round of the Libertadores group stage.

At the moment, Mengão have seven points and sit top of Group A, while Estudiantes are right behind in second place with six. Mengão, however, are awaiting confirmation of a walkover win against Independiente Medellín (COL) after trouble in the stands, which would take them to ten points and completely change the table scenario before the clash in Rio.

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