Estudiantes Eliminates Flamengo to Reach Copa Libertadores Final

Estudiantes de La Plata advanced to the 2026 Copa Libertadores final on Thursday night by defeating defending champion Flamengo 3-2 in a penalty shootout at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Following two consecutive scoreless draws across the two-legged semifinal series, the match was decided from the penalty spot where veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera delivered a heroic performance for the visiting Argentine squad.

The 40-year-old Uruguayan goalkeeper saved three penalty attempts during the shootout, denying Jorginho, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Henrique. Despite a missed penalty by teammate Edwuin Cetré, conversions from José Sosa, Eros Mancuso, and Tiago Palacios secured the victory and sent Estudiantes to their first continental final in 17 years.

The Argentine team faced a severe disadvantage early in the second half when Baltasar Rodríguez received his second yellow card for pulling back Samuel Lino, leaving the visitors with ten men from the 50th minute onward. Forced to defend for roughly 40 minutes plus stoppage time, manager Alexander Medina's side relied on defensive discipline, tight marking, and organized resistance to keep the Brazilian powerhouse off the scoreboard.

Flamengo controlled possession and applied heavy pressure after gaining the numerical advantage, yet struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear scoring opportunities. Despite having prominent attacking players such as Pedro, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Lucas Paquetá on the pitch, the Rio de Janeiro club failed to break through the resolute defensive block marshaled by Estudiantes.

The first half had already showcased the visiting team's competitive intent. Estudiantes created the most dangerous initial chances through set pieces and long-range efforts, including a strong shot by Baltasar Rodríguez that struck the goalpost and a close-range attempt from Marcos Rojo that required a quick reaction save from Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi.

With the aggregate score remaining tied at zero after regulation time, the semifinal went straight to penalties. Muslera's decisive saves against Flamengo's key shooters sealed the upset, eliminating the reigning champions and ending their pursuit of a consecutive continental title.

Estudiantes will now face Palmeiras in the championship match scheduled for November 28 at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay. The final will mark a historic rematch of the 1968 title series, which Estudiantes won to claim their first-ever Copa Libertadores trophy.