How Many Copa Libertadores Finals Have Estudiantes Played?
Estudiantes de La Plata eliminated Flamengo at the Maracanã to reach their sixth Copa Libertadores final. El Pincha boast an extraordinary record: four titles in five previous finals, with another opportunity to conquer South America against Palmeiras.
Few clubs share such a special relationship with the Copa Libertadores as Estudiantes de La Plata.
The Argentine side proved it once again by eliminating Flamengo, the defending champions, in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Maracanã, with Fernando Muslera emerging as the hero.
The achievement carries special significance: after 17 years, Estudiantes will once again compete in South America's biggest club match.
It will be their sixth Copa Libertadores final, a stage at which they have suffered defeat only once. Their historical record stands at four titles and one runner-up finish.
Estudiantes' Five Previous Copa Libertadores Finals
The story began in 1968, when the team managed by Osvaldo Zubeldía stunned the continent and launched one of the most successful eras in South American football.
1968: Champions Against Palmeiras
In their first final, Estudiantes defeated Palmeiras 2-1 in La Plata before losing 3-1 in Brazil. They eventually claimed the trophy with a 2-0 victory in a deciding match in Montevideo, thanks to goals from Felipe Ribaudo and Juan Ramón Verón.
1969: Champions Against Nacional
A year later, El Pincha defended their crown against Nacional of Uruguay. They won 1-0 in Montevideo and 2-0 in La Plata to secure back-to-back continental titles.
1970: Champions Against Peñarol
Their third consecutive triumph came against Peñarol. A goal from Néstor Togneri gave Estudiantes a 1-0 victory in Argentina, before a 0-0 draw in Montevideo secured a historic three-peat.
1971: Runners-Up Against Nacional
After winning three consecutive titles, Estudiantes came close to making it four.
They defeated Nacional 1-0 in La Plata but lost by the same scoreline in Montevideo. The deciding match was played in Lima, where the Uruguayan side secured a 2-0 victory and ended the Argentine club's remarkable winning streak.
2009: Champions Against Cruzeiro
It took 39 years for El Pincha to lift the Libertadores trophy again.
With Juan Sebastián Verón as captain, Estudiantes drew 0-0 against Cruzeiro in La Plata before securing a historic 2-1 victory in Belo Horizonte, thanks to goals from Gastón Fernández and Mauro Boselli.
That triumph delivered the club's fourth continental title.
A Familiar Opponent Awaits in the Sixth Final
In 2026, Estudiantes will face Palmeiras once again, the same opponents they defeated to win their first Copa Libertadores title in 1968.
The final will take place on November 28 in Montevideo, a city that holds a special place in the Argentine club's history.
Beyond chasing their fifth continental crown, El Pincha will have the opportunity to reclaim the trophy after 17 years and become the first Argentine club to win the competition since River Plate in 2018.
Of their five previous finals, Estudiantes have won four. Now, they will look to maintain that remarkable record and write another chapter in their history.
Key Takeaways From Estudiantes' Copa Libertadores Finals
- Estudiantes will play their sixth Copa Libertadores final in 2026, having won four of their five previous appearances.
- El Pincha were crowned champions in 1968, 1969, 1970, and 2009. Their only final defeat came against Nacional in 1971.
- Palmeiras will be their opponents on November 28 in Montevideo, in a rematch of the Argentine club's first victorious final.
