Estudiantes captain eyes Flamengo upset in Libertadores: "Beautiful match" | OneFootball

Santiago Ascacíbar, 28 years old, previewed the clash with Flamengo in the next two Thursdays

The time is coming, Nation! Less than a week remains for Flamengo to face Estudiantes (ARG) in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores da América. The first match will be on Thursday (18), at Maracanã, starting at 9:30 PM (Brasília time). As the encounter approaches, the captain of the Argentine team, Santiago Ascacíbar, 28 years old, stated that the team from La Plata can advance to the semifinals.

— It's a beautiful game, we are waiting for it. We know what it means for us as a team and also for the institution to play in the quarterfinals of this edition is very significant. In football, nothing is impossible. It's 11 against 11. In the Cups, the games are different. We have to demonstrate that on the field — said Ascacíbar, in an interview with the Argentine press.

Having qualified second in the group in the first phase, Flamengo will play the first leg at Maracanã. The return leg will be hosted by Estudiantes, who advanced at the top of the group that included Botafogo. The decisive duel takes place on September 25, at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata.

WHAT IS THE LIBERTADORES BRACKET?

In summary: whoever advances from Flamengo and Estudiantes will face an Argentine team. After all, the path predicts a clash against Vélez Sarsfield (ARG) or Racing (ARG). On the other side of the bracket, São Paulo will face LDU (EQU), and River Plate (ARG) will battle Palmeiras.

WHEN DO ESTUDIANTES AND FLAMENGO PLAY AGAIN?

Before the Libertadores encounter, Estudiantes and Flamengo have commitments in their national leagues. Thus, on Saturday (13), the team from La Plata will face River Plate (ARG) at home, in the Argentine Championship. Additionally, on Sunday (14), the Rubro-Negro will travel to Caxias do Sul for the match against Juventude, in the Brasileirão.

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