La Plata produced a tense, scoreless Copa Libertadores semi-final on a night when Estudiantes repeatedly tested Flamengo’s resistance but could not take a lead to Brazil. The first leg at Estadio UNO Jorge Luis Hirschi finished 0-0, leaving the contest for a place in the final to be settled next week at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã.
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Estudiantes began with the sharper moments in front of goal. Baltasar Rodríguez found two openings during the opening quarter-hour, yet neither attempt found the target. Flamengo, the reigning champions, replied through Bruno Henrique, whose header went wide.
The home side continued to create before the interval. Santiago Núñez brought a save from Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi, while Joaquín Tobio Burgos headed off target. Estudiantes’ best first-half chance arrived in the 32nd minute, when Tiago Palacios struck goalwards and Rossi again made the decisive intervention.
Flamengo had a major opportunity shortly after the restart. Ramiro Funes Mori’s mistake sent Samuel Lino through towards Fernando Muslera’s goal, but Núñez recovered in time to prevent the Brazilian forward from opening the scoring.
Jorge Carrascal then began combining more effectively with Lucas Paquetá, helping Flamengo find greater control in possession. Even so, Estudiantes kept pressing for a breakthrough: Núñez headed narrowly wide and full-back Eros Mancuso also missed with an effort.
In the 78th minute, Núñez got a shot away inside the box, only for Álex Sandro to deny him. Four minutes later, substitute Edwin Cetré had a clear sight of goal, but Rossi delivered another important save to preserve Flamengo’s clean sheet.
Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benítez ended the match with the tie level, with neither side able to turn an intense first encounter into an advantage.
Rio return and the other semi-final
Estudiantes now travel north to face Flamengo at the Maracanã next week, where a place in the Copa Libertadores final will be decided.
The eventual winners will meet either Palmeiras or Fluminense. Palmeiras carry a 2-1 advantage after winning the first leg of the all-Brazilian semi-final at the Maracanã.
