Estudiantes de La Plata are clinging to the Copa Libertadores with grit and a memorable wonder goal. In the second leg of the quarterfinals against the mighty Flamengo, the Argentine side found their spark in Gastón Benedetti, igniting their fans and fueling hopes of a comeback at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium.

A left-footed strike to change the story

For much of the match, Flamengo controlled proceedings with 59% possession and outpassing the hosts, but everything changed in the dying moments of the first half. After a throw-in, Núñez lofted a ball into the Brazilian box that bounced between defenders; there was Benedetti, who unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike past Agustín Rossi, sending the crowd into raptures.

The goal not only leveled the match at 1-1 but also tied the aggregate score at 2-2, giving Estudiantes the advantage heading into halftime and renewed hopes of qualification.

Estudiantes hold firm as Flamengo push back

The context of the series demanded that El Pincha deliver a commanding home win. In the first leg, Mengão seemed in control with goals from Pedro and Guillermo Varela, but the Argentine response began with Guido Carrillo’s strike at the Maracanã and was solidified by Benedetti’s equalizer in La Plata.

Eduardo Domínguez’s men showed resilience, backed by the leadership of Fernando Muslera, who stood tall during the toughest stretches. The squad also came in motivated, having snapped a three-game losing streak in the domestic league with a 1-0 win over Defensa y Justicia using a rotated lineup.

Meanwhile, Filipe Luis’s Flamengo remain the favorites. Their 1-1 draw with Vasco da Gama in the Brasileirao kept them atop the table with 51 points, and the return of key players like Gonzalo Plata and possibly Jorginho strengthens their chances.

The tie is far from decided. The second half promises high drama, with Estudiantes determined to fight to the end and a Flamengo side looking to prove why they are one of the most feared teams on the continent.