Worn hybrid pitch and makeshift away end at Estudiantes as Flamengo return | OneFootball

Flamengo return to Estudiantes’ Jorge Luis Hirschi on Wednesday at 21:30 Brasília time for a Libertadores group game, with the modern La Plata venue showing both polish and rough edges. According to Globo.com, a Tuesday visit found the 90% natural, 10% artificial pitch worn, and the hosts are working to improve it.

Flamengo have played there twice. In 1992 they drew 1-1 in the Supercopa Libertadores and advanced to the semi-finals, before falling to Racing, then last year they edged a quarter-final tie, winning 2-1 in Rio in September 2025 and losing 1-0 in La Plata before prevailing on penalties as Rossi saved from Ascacibar and Benedetti, with Jorginho, Luiz Araújo, Carrascal and Léo Pereira converting to reach the semi-finals.

Located in La Plata, about 60 kilometres from central Buenos Aires, the ground was closed from 2005 to 2019 before reopening. It currently holds 32,500, with plans to reach 47,000.

The design recalls Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera with a steep stand. There is a pitchside restaurant, a museum and a statue of Carlos Bilardo gesturing beside the dugout.

The away section stands out as a makeshift add-on within the sleek structure. It is a temporary sector built for visiting fans and will be removed once expansion works finish, while in league matches it is used by Estudiantes supporters.

The final project envisages a closed, roofed stadium, with buildings in each corner.

Source: Globo.com