Flamengo praises Rossi after shining against Estudiantes in the Libertadores

Flamengo is in the Copa Libertadores semifinals . The Rubro-Negro eliminated Estudiantes (ARG) on penalties and will now face Racing (ARG) in the next stage of the continental competition. After qualifying, captain Arrascaeta acknowledged that the team could have decided the match back at the Maracanã , when they won 2-1, and emphasized that the Libertadores demands maximum attention.

Arrascaeta on Flamengo vs Estudiantes: "We always go through difficulties"

"Of all the titles this generation has won, we've always struggled in matches like this. Today was another example. It showed the strength of our squad. When one player isn't performing well, their teammate has to step in and give their best . Today we did very well in the penalty shootout," the Uruguayan noted.

He also recalled the first leg and issued a warning for the upcoming matches: " We played a great game at Maracanã and could have extended the lead . That complicated the return leg. It serves as a lesson: when we have a chance to finish, we have to take advantage. The Libertadores is tricky, but this victory makes us even stronger," concluded the number 10.

HOW WAS THE GAME?

In the first leg, Flamengo won 2-1, with goals from Pedro and Varela, plus an own goal from Léo Pereira. In La Plata, Estudiantes tied the match with a goal from Benedetti , sending the match to penalties. It was then that goalkeeper Rossi shone, securing the Flamengo's qualification.

WHAT'S AHEAD

Before returning to the field for the Libertadores, Flamengo has a Brasileirão match against Corinthians . In the continental semifinal, their opponent will be Racing (ARG), who eliminated Vélez Sarsfield (ARG). The duel against the Argentines will not be until October.

Flamengo experienced a night of strong emotions this Thursday (25) when they qualified for the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores. After losing 1-0 to Estudiantes in regular time and seeing the aggregate score remain at 2-2 , Rubro-Negro won 4-2 on penalties and secured a place to face Racing in the next phase.

Despite being eliminated in regulation time, Flamengo had the majority of possession and dominated the opponent's half for much of the match, but struggled to break through Argentina's defensive block. Estudiantes relied on intense marking , strategic fouls, and quick transitions to create danger.

ANALYSIS BY COACH FILIPE LUÍS

After the game, coach Filipe Luís acknowledged that the performance didn't live up to expectations: " It wasn't the Flamengo you're used to seeing. Much to Estudiantes' credit , as they knew how to make things difficult. But we had control, possession, and reached the opponent's box. All that was missing was the final pass, the shot, or the decisive dribble," the coach declared in a press conference.

ROAD TO THE FINAL

With their qualification, Flamengo will face Racing in the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Palmeiras and LDU are vying for the other spot in the final . If they advance, Flamengo could face a repeat of the 2021 final against the São Paulo team or face an unprecedented clash against the Ecuadorians, aiming to become the first Brazilian club to win the Libertadores four times.

SEMI-FINALS AND SINGLE FINAL DATES

The first legs of the semifinals are scheduled for the week of October 22 , while the second legs will take place in the week of October 29. The single final is scheduled for November 29, at the Monumental Stadium in Lima, Peru — the same one where Flamengo won the 2019 Copa Libertadores with the historic comeback against River Plate.

Flamengo confirmed, this Thursday (25), its qualification for the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores by beating Estudiantes in the quarterfinals. The opponent in the next phase will be Racing, who eliminated Vélez Sarsfield. Conmebol has not yet officially released the match times , but has already defined the weeks for the decisive duels.

According to the organization, the first leg of the semifinals will take place during the week of October 22, while the second leg is scheduled for the week of October 29. The full schedule, including dates and times, will be confirmed in the coming days.

FLAMENGO STARTS DISPUTE AT MARACANÃ

Rubro-Negro will play the first match at home, at Maracanã , and will decide the classification away, at El Cilindro stadium, in Argentina. This scenario repeats the round of 16 against Internacional and the quarterfinals against Estudiantes , when the club advanced after decisive away matches.

SEMIFINAL MATCHES DEFINED

The other semifinal bracket will feature Palmeiras and LDU. If they advance, Flamengo could face the winner of this match in the continental final. There's a possibility of a Brazilian derby for an unprecedented fourth national championship, or a first-ever clash against the Ecuadorians.

The Copa Libertadores final is scheduled for November 29th at the Monumental Stadium in Lima, Peru. The stadium is special for the red-and-blacks, as it was there that the club won the 2019 title with a historic comeback victory over River Plate.