Libertadores watch: Flamengo's next rivals Corinthians face Estudiantes | OneFootball

Corinthians and Estudiantes (ARG) could cross Rubro-Negro’s path in the Libertadores

Flamengo and Corinthians face off on Sunday (13) at 5:30 p.m. (Brasília time) in the 27th round of the Brasileirão. Before that, however, the São Paulo side takes the field in the Libertadores this Wednesday (09), when they face Estudiantes (ARG) at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) in the quarterfinals.

That way, the match is of double interest to Flamengo. That’s because, besides being the Rio club’s next opponent in the Brasileirão, Corinthians could also end up in Rubro-Negro’s path in a possible Libertadores semifinal.

WHEN AND WHERE IS ESTUDIANTES VS CORINTHIANS?

The first leg between the Argentine and Brazilian sides will be played at Jorge Luis Hirsch Stadium in La Plata. TV Globo (free-to-air), GeTV (YouTube), and Paramount+ (streaming) will broadcast Estudiantes vs Corinthians. It is worth mentioning that the return leg takes place next Wednesday (16) at Neo Química Arena.

HOW ARE THE TEAMS COMING INTO IT?

Corinthians come into the continental clash in crisis. After defeating Rosario Central (ARG) in the round of 16 by 1-0 with one player less on the field, the team’s performances dropped off. As a result, Fernando Diniz’s side has piled up stumbles in the Brazilian Championship, and the current moment is one of instability and distrust.

Four-time Libertadores champions, Estudiantes reached the knockout stage in second place in Group A, behind Flamengo in the first phase. In the quarterfinals, the Argentines eliminated Universidad Católica (CHI) with a 4-1 aggregate victory. Like Corinthians, the La Plata side is going through an inconsistent spell, with two defeats and one draw in their last five matches of the season.

WHO ARE THE MAIN ATTACKING THREATS FOR CORINTHIANS AND ESTUDIANTES?

With seven absences, including starters Yuri Alberto, André, and Raniele, Corinthians will rely on a more compact defensive setup. Up front, the hope lies in Kaio César’s pace on the right flank and Memphis Depay’s talent as the focal point in attack.

On the other hand, experienced 35-year-old Guido Carrillo is the key figure for the Argentine team. So far, the center forward has eight goals and two assists in 30 appearances in the 2026 season.

HOW DOES FLAMENGO FIT INTO THIS LIBERTADORES SCENARIO?

Flamengo face Independiente del Valle (EQU) in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals this Thursday (10). The ball starts rolling at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito, at an altitude of 2,850 meters above sea level. Therefore, whoever advances from this tie will face Corinthians or Estudiantes in the continental tournament semifinal.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla details every step of Rubro-Negro’s 2026 season. Coverage features reporters Simon Lédo, Rock Hudson, and Rodrigo Lima on site in Ecuador. So, follow all the details on the website, on social media, and on YouTube. In addition, ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) will broadcast the match. The return leg against Del Valle takes place on September 17 at the Maracanã.

WHEN ARE THE LIBERTADORES SEMIFINALS?

The first-leg matches of the 2026 Copa Libertadores semifinals are scheduled to take place between October 13 and 15. The return legs will be played the following week, between October 20 and 22. Thus, the road to the final goes through the winner of Corinthians vs Estudiantes, Flamengo’s opponent on Sunday (13) in the Brasileirão.

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