Estudiantes produced a masterclass in defensive discipline at the Maracanã, beating Flamengo 3-2 on penalties after a goalless second leg to book their place in the Copa Libertadores final against Palmeiras.
On paper, Flamengo were the stronger side, and they had the ball for long spells, even after gaining a man advantage. They completed more than 600 passes, roughly three times as many as their opponents, yet they could not turn that control into clear chances. Both teams managed just two shots on target each, and neither could find the net during normal time.
A familiar blueprint
Estudiantes played the way their identity demands: compact, disciplined and patient, with a clear focus on getting the ball to their centre-forward. Coach Cacique Medina’s side were technically less refined than Flamengo, but they neutralised the Brazilian club’s attacking threat, just as they had done in the first leg.
The Argentinians have a long tradition of this style, one that traces back to the days of Carlos Bilardo. Occasionally, a creative playmaker lifts the team, as Juan Sebastián Verón did during their last Libertadores triumph in 2009. This time, no such inspiration was needed. A group of hard-working midfielders did the job, and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was the hero of the night, saving three penalties in the shootout.
Breaking the pattern
The result also stopped Palmeiras and Flamengo from monopolising the competition. Had Flamengo advanced, the final would have repeated a pairing from the previous edition, something that has never happened in consecutive years in the tournament’s history. Estudiantes’ success is a reminder that financial muscle does not always decide the outcome in South American football.
Source: ge.globo.com
