The Maracanã witnessed a historic scene at the start of the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals between Flamengo and Estudiantes de La Plata. Barely 15 seconds had passed when Pedro opened the scoring, netting the fastest goal ever by the Brazilian club in the history of the continental tournament.

The strike surpassed the previous record held by Gerson Santos da Silva, who scored after 56 seconds against Bolívar in 2024. It also ranks as the second-fastest in a Libertadores knockout stage match from the quarterfinals onward, behind only Kaio Jorge’s goal (11 seconds for Santos against Grêmio in 2020).

A record-breaking start for Flamengo

The team coached by Filipe Luís came out with intensity from the opening whistle and found an immediate reward thanks to Pedro’s finish, igniting the crowd at the Maracanã. The goal also sent a statement of intent from a Flamengo side that arrives as leaders of the Brasileirão and boasts one of the strongest squads on the continent.

Beyond the emotional boost of such an early lead, the Brazilian club heads into this series with the good news of recovering key players such as Léo Ortiz in defense and Bruno Henrique in attack, while Uruguayan Guillermo Varela is back in the squad after injury. The uncertainty remains over Jorginho, the midfield playmaker, while Alex Sandro is a confirmed absence due to a muscle problem.

Estudiantes forced to respond

The lightning strike immediately disrupted the game plan of Estudiantes de La Plata, who are going through a difficult spell in the Argentine league. Eduardo Domínguez’s men have won only one of their last five matches and arrive with significant absences: Leandro González Pírez is sidelined with injury, while Colombian Edwuin Cetré is expected to return only for the second leg at the Jorge Luis Hirschi.

With the match still in progress, the Argentine side must keep their composure and adjust their approach if they want to take the tie back home still alive, where they will have the support of their fans.