Estudiantes de La Plata vs. Flamengo | Copa Libertadores 2026 Semifinal
Estadio UNO will host a semifinal filled with history, unfinished business, and two clubs that know what it takes to conquer South America. Estudiantes de La Plata welcome defending champions Flamengo in the first leg of a tie that promises plenty of drama.
The 2026 Copa Libertadores has reached its decisive stages, and one of the most intriguing matchups will take place in La Plata. Estudiantes and Flamengo meet once again, this time with a place in the final on the line and memories of their recent encounters still fresh.
The Argentine side, managed by Alexander Medina, return to the semifinals for the first time in 17 years. Their last appearance at this stage came in 2009, when they went on to lift their fourth continental title.
Estudiantes secured their place in the final four after eliminating Corinthians in a dramatic quarterfinal tie. A goal from Alexis Castro gave the Argentine club a 1-0 victory in São Paulo, while a missed late penalty from Memphis Depay helped seal their qualification.
On the other side, Flamengo arrive determined to defend their crown. Leonardo Jardim's team remain unbeaten in this year's competition, recording seven wins and three draws, and will look to extend that run in one of South America's most demanding stadiums.
Estudiantes Starting Lineup
Estudiantes' Defensive Strength Faces Flamengo's Attacking Power
One of Estudiantes' greatest strengths throughout the competition has been their defensive organization. The Argentine side have conceded just seven goals in ten matches and have not allowed more than one goal in any game during this edition.
With Fernando Muslera providing experience and security in goal, Estudiantes will attempt to limit the space available to a Brazilian side capable of creating chances through different attacking approaches.
Up front, Guido Carrillo and Tiago Palacios, with three goals each, remain among the hosts' most important attacking threats.
Meanwhile, Flamengo can rely on Bruno Henrique, one of the competition's most dangerous players. The Brazilian forward has scored five goals and represents a constant threat to opposing defenses.
The Mengão eliminated Independiente del Valle in the quarterfinals and arrive with the confidence of a team accustomed to competing on the biggest continental stage.
Flamengo Starting Lineup
A Semifinal That Will End a Historic Streak
This matchup features a remarkable statistic: neither club has ever lost a two-legged Copa Libertadores semifinal.
Estudiantes reached the final in all four of their previous appearances, while Flamengo also advanced from each of their four previous two-legged semifinals.
The two teams also share plenty of recent history. In the 2025 quarterfinals, the Brazilian side eliminated Estudiantes on penalties after both clubs won their respective home matches.
They met again in the 2026 group stage, drawing 1-1 in La Plata before Flamengo secured a 1-0 victory in Rio de Janeiro.
Now, backed by their passionate supporters, Estudiantes will look to build an advantage before traveling to the Maracanã. The defending champions, meanwhile, will aim to take a positive result back to Brazil and settle the tie in front of their home crowd.
The final will take place on November 28 at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, but first, one of these two South American giants will have to see its continental dream come to an end.
Don't miss the match between Estudiantes de La Plata and Flamengo on beIN SPORTS.
- Match: Estudiantes de La Plata vs. Flamengo
- Competition: 2026 Copa Libertadores, Semifinal First Leg
- Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Venue: Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium (UNO), La Plata, Argentina
- Second Leg: October 22, Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro
Key Takeaways
- Estudiantes return to the semifinals for the first time since 2009 as they chase a fifth Copa Libertadores title.
- Defending champions Flamengo remain unbeaten, with Bruno Henrique leading their scoring charts in the competition.
- Both clubs have advanced from every previous two-legged semifinal they have played, meaning one historic streak will come to an end.
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