Estudiantes has only one absence and is suspended against Flamengo

Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (25), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , against Estudiantes, in La Plata, in a duel that is worth a place in the Libertadores semifinal. The 2-1 victory at Maracanã gives Rubro-Negro the advantage of a draw, but the clash promises to be tense in a hostile environment .

Victor Birner on Flamengo vs. Estudiantes: "We need to understand how these new players react to the team"

Journalist Victor Birner highlighted his curiosity in observing how the squad reacts to pressure, especially the newly arrived reinforcements . He believes the team has enough football to win comfortably, but the challenge will be the collective response to the Argentine cauldron.

" It's obvious that Flamengo has more than enough football to beat Estudiantes in La Plata. But we need to understand how these new players react," said Birner, considering that Flamengo will have some debutants in games outside Brazil in the Libertadores.

EXPERIENCE AND NEW CHALLENGES

According to the commentator, Flamengo mixes athletes accustomed to decisions, such as Arrascaeta, Pedro, Bruno Henrique and Léo Pereira , with signings who are still looking to establish themselves in big Libertadores games, such as Alex Sandro, Jorginho, Danilo and Saúl.

"Flamengo has a lot of experienced players. But we need to see how the collective personality, which is being formed in the most important matches , can prevail in an adverse situation. Because when it's favorable, it's easy," Birner added. The expectation is that the squad's leaders, especially Arrascaeta, will take the lead and lead the team on the field.

STADIUM FULL FOR DECISION

Estudiantes sold out tickets for the match at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, which will accommodate 32,500 fans . Only members of the Argentine club were able to access the tickets, which reinforces the atmosphere of total pressure on Flamengo . With a narrow advantage, Flamengo needs only a draw to advance to the semifinals. If they lose by one goal, the spot will be decided on penalties.

Hired after long negotiations, Jorge Carrascal is still looking for his place at Flamengo , but he has already made it clear who has served as an inspiration within the club: Arrascaeta , who is having one of his best seasons in 2025.

Carrascal on inspiration at Flamengo: "I saw a lot of Arrascaeta, how he moves"

For years, the lack of an immediate backup for the Uruguayan was a recurring topic among fans and managers. Carrascal arrived precisely to fill this void, in addition to offering Filipe Luís new formation options .

In an interview with UOL, the Colombian said he closely observes Arrascaeta's movements and decision-making to understand how he fits into the team's gears. He also highlighted a special piece of advice from the coach :

"Filipe always told me to know how to find my place in games. I also saw a lot of Arrascaeta, how he moves. I think, little by little, I'm understanding a lot more . I hope to adapt, because it's a very big team. We have to be up to the task."

A REINFORCEMENT FOR MORE THAN BEING A RESERVE

Despite being considered a natural replacement for the number 10, Carrascal's signing, which cost nearly R$80 million, was designed to expand the midfield's capabilities. The player can play in a variety of roles and has been preparing to find his own space.

"I came here to do my part, as I've always said since the first interview. I really admire Arrascaeta for his career, for being a great player, a great person . The truth is, I came here to be at the level the team needs, whether as a starter or a reserve."

DECISION FOR THE LIBERTADORES

With Carrascal possibly starting on the bench, Flamengo faces Estudiantes this Thursday (25), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata. After winning 2-1 at Maracanã, Rubro-Negro plays for a draw to advance to the Libertadores semifinals.

On the eve of the decision for a place in the Libertadores semifinals, Estudiantes (ARG) fans tried to disrupt the Flamengo squad's rest with intense fireworks in the early hours of this Thursday (25), in La Plata. The club spoke about the episode and assured that the situation did not harm the squad's preparation :

Flamengo's statement on Estudiantes fans' fireworks: "it did not interfere with the athletes' and coaching staff's rest"

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM FLAMENGO

"As is public knowledge, there were fireworks in the Flamengo training area in Argentina. The incident, outside the perimeter of the condominium where the hotel is located, practically did not interfere with the rest of the athletes and the coaching staff. This is because the club's logistics planning already anticipated the possibility of this type of situation . The choice of the hotel in a secluded location was precisely to protect the team and ensure the best preparation."

WHAT HAPPENED

During the early hours of the morning, Estudiantes fans gathered in front of the hotel where the Flamengo delegation is staying and set off fireworks for several minutes. The act quickly resonated with Flamengo fans on social media , who were outraged by the attempted intimidation.

Flamengo 's football director, José Boto, even posted videos on Instagram showing the commotion at the hotel door and the noise caused by the fireworks. Despite this, the situation didn't bother the Mais Querido players .

FLAMENGO X STUDIANTES

The decisive clash takes place this Thursday (25), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium. Flamengo has the advantage of having won the first leg at Maracanã by 2 to 1 and only needs a draw to advance to the Libertadores semifinals.