The Copa Libertadores 2025 semifinal second leg between Flamengo and Racing Club, played in Avellaneda, was marred by controversy after Gonzalo Plata was sent off in a moment that has sparked heated debate across South America.

The Play That Changed Everything

Just 11 minutes into the second half, in the 56th minute, Plata got tangled up with Marcos Rojo during a physical duel. As the two players jostled for position, the Flamengo winger appeared to make contact with his opponent in what referee Piero Maza interpreted as an act of aggression — resulting in an instant red card.

The controversy centered on two key questions:

• Was Plata’s action truly deliberate, or just a reaction to the ongoing tussle?
• Should the VAR have intervened to review the decision, given the magnitude of the call and the lack of a video check before confirming the expulsion?

The Impact on the Match

The dismissal left Flamengo down to ten men at a decisive stage of the semifinal, completely shifting the game’s momentum. Racing capitalized on their numerical advantage, taking control of possession and increasing their attacking pressure on the Brazilian side.

For Gonzalo Plata, the red card was a crushing blow in one of the most important matches of the season. Beyond its immediate impact, the incident also casts doubt on his availability for a potential final, depending on the disciplinary ruling that CONMEBOL will issue in the coming days.

A moment of chaos in Avellaneda — and one that will continue to be replayed and debated across the continent.