Libertadores: Fluminense stumble, Estudiantes level in Flamengo's group

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Coluna do Fla

·12 August 2026

Libertadores: Fluminense stumble, Estudiantes level in Flamengo's group

Estudiantes (ARG) and Universidad Católica (CHI) are on Flamengo’s side of the bracket

The round of 16 matchups of the Libertadores got underway this Tuesday (11) with Fluminense drawing at the Maracanã. On Flamengo’s side of the bracket, Estudiantes (ARG) drew 1-1 with Universidad Católica (CHI) in La Plata, Argentina.

Fluminense 0 x 0 Independiente Rivadavia (ARG), at the Maracanã;
Estudiantes 1 x 1 U. Católica, in Argentina.

How did Fluminense make things difficult for themselves at the Maracanã against Rivadavia?

Zubeldía’s men had nearly 75% possession, but only one shot on target. The best chance of the game, however, belonged to the visiting side, who only failed to open the scoring because Fábio pulled off a miracle save in the first minute of the second half.

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So, the decision will be made at Rivadavia’s home in Argentina on Tuesday (18). The teams are on the opposite side of the bracket from Flamengo. Therefore, the only possible scenario for Mengão to face them would be in a potential final.

How did Estudiantes and Católica draw on Flamengo’s side of the bracket?

Estudiantes opened the scoring four minutes into the match through Tobio Burgos, who pounced on a rebound inside the penalty area to surprise the visitors. In the 35th minute of the second half, however, Católica equalized through Zampedri. The return leg will take place in Chile on Tuesday (18).

There is a chance that one of these teams could face Flamengo in the semifinals. Estudiantes, however, are already familiar opponents for Mengão. That’s because the Most Beloved faced the Argentine side in the 2025 quarterfinals and in this year’s group stage.

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Estudiantes’ draw also featured a nasty bump on Tiago Palacios’ forehead after a heavy knock. The collision happened during the second half in La Plata, and the Argentine team’s number 10 tried to stay on the field but had to be substituted due to the pain.

When does Flamengo play in the Libertadores round of 16?

Fla begin their 2026 round of 16 campaign this Wednesday (12) against Cruzeiro at the Mineirão. Kickoff is at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), with full coverage from Coluna do Fla.

What is the author’s opinion on this Libertadores round?

It feels like Tricolor will be eliminated in Argentina next week. I wanted a Fla-Flu final in this year’s Libertadores, but Fluminense’s performance in front of their own fans was depressing,” said João Vítor Reis of Coluna do Fla, who added: “As for Estudiantes, the Chilean defeat was already expected. For Flamengo, though, the ideal scenario would be to avoid the Argentinians. Besides their physical style of play, they know Rubro-Negro just as well as we know them,” he opined.

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