Estudiantes de La Plata advanced to the 2026 Copa Libertadores final by defeating Flamengo 3–2 on penalties after a scoreless aggregate draw across both legs, sealing a decisive victory at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro on October 22, 2026, as reported by AS Colombia.

How Estudiantes Defeated Flamengo at the Maracanã

The second leg of the semifinal finished 0–0 after 90 minutes, matching the scoreless result of the opening match in Argentina. Despite Flamengo controlling possession on home turf, AS Colombia reported that the visiting Argentine side generated the most dangerous attacking sequences during regulation time. Estudiantes defender Marcos Rojo forced an early save from Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi with a double attempt, and Baltasar Rodríguez later struck the goalpost with a long-range shot.

The tactical dynamic shifted significantly in the 49th minute when referee Gustavo Tejera issued a second yellow card to Baltasar Rodríguez, reducing Estudiantes to ten players for the remainder of the contest. Manager Alexander Medina adjusted his lineup by introducing substitutes, including Colombian forward Edwuin Cetré in the 77th minute. Flamengo mounted persistent pressure against the shorthanded defense, highlighted by a header from Bruno Henrique that goalkeeper Fernando Muslera stopped to preserve the clean sheet.

Fernando Muslera Stops Three Penalties for Estudiantes

With aggregate scores deadlocked, the semifinal proceeded to a penalty shootout. Fernando Muslera anchored the Estudiantes defense by stopping three attempts from Flamengo takers Jorginho, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Henrique, according to reporting from Olé. José Sosa, Eros Mancuso, and Tiago Palacios converted their kicks for the visiting side.

Edwuin Cetré was the only Estudiantes player to miss from the spot. AS Colombia noted that the Colombian forward slipped during his run-up, accidentally striking the ball twice before sending his shot over the crossbar. Léo Pereira and Giorgian de Arrascaeta converted for Flamengo, but Muslera’s stops secured a 3–2 shootout victory for the Argentine club.

The Contrast in Semifinal Paths to Montevideo

While Estudiantes earned their place in the final through defensive resilience and a penalty shootout away from home, their title opponents reached the championship match through an equally tense encounter. Olé reported that Palmeiras eliminated fellow Brazilian side Fluminense 5–3 on penalties after splitting a 2–1 away victory at the Maracanã and a 1–0 home defeat, with former River Plate forward José Manuel “Flaco” López scoring during the series.

The championship fixture revives a historical continental rivalry. El Tiempo noted that Estudiantes and Palmeiras previously contested the Copa Libertadores final in 1968, a series won by the Argentine club. Both teams now prepare for a single-match showdown at a neutral venue.

Palmeiras and Estudiantes Meet in Montevideo Final

The Copa Libertadores final between Palmeiras and Estudiantes de La Plata is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay. The venue holds a capacity of over 60,000 spectators and will accommodate supporters from both finalists. Broadcast coverage for South America will be handled by Fox Sports, Telefe, and the streaming platform Disney+, with official kickoff times and referee assignments pending final confirmation from CONMEBOL.

Leonardo Jardim Selects Flamengo Lineup for Second Leg

For the decisive second leg in Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo manager Leonardo Jardim selected Agustín Rossi in goal; Emerson Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro formed the defensive line; Erick Pulgar and Jorginho anchored the midfield, supported by Jorge Carrascal, Lucas Paquetá, and Samuel Lino; and Pedro led the attack. During the course of the match, Leonardo Jardim introduced Giorgian de Arrascaeta for Jorge Carrascal in the 64th minute, Ayrton Lucas for Alex Sandro, Bruno Henrique for Erick Pulgar, and Gonzalo Plata for Samuel Lino in the 82nd minute, alongside Joaquín Freitas entering for Pedro in the 88th minute.

Estudiantes de La Plata manager Alexander Medina deployed Fernando Muslera under the posts; Eros Mancuso, Santiago Núñez, Marcos Rojo, and Leandro González Pírez made up the back four; Ezequiel Piovi, Alexis Castro, Baltasar Rodríguez, and Tobio Burgos filled the midfield; while Joaquín Correa and Guido Carrillo started up front. Tactical adjustments by Alexander Medina saw Tiago Palacios replace Joaquín Correa in the 38th minute, Tomás Palacios take over for Marcos Rojo, Edwuin Cetré substitute for Tobio Burgos, and Adolfo Gaich replace Guido Carrillo in the 77th minute, followed by José Sosa entering for Alexis Castro in the 90th minute.