Flamengo’s superior talent was never in doubt, but it was not enough to get them past Estudiantes. Despite more than 180 minutes of Copa Libertadores semi-final football, the Rio side failed to dominate and were knocked out on penalties after a goalless second leg. Their lack of creativity was the defining feature of the tie, and Estudiantes goalkeeper Franco Muslera was the hero, saving three spot-kicks.
A pale performance at the Maracanã
The 0-0 scoreline reflected Flamengo’s struggles over the two legs. They failed to register a single shot on target in the first match, and they offered little more in front of a crowd of over 70,000 at the Maracanã. Even with a man advantage for 45 minutes, they were far from the expansive, dominant side they are known to be.
Jorginho, Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Henrique all missed from the penalty spot.
Estudiantes start strongly
Estudiantes came out with purpose rather than waiting for Flamengo to take control. They won the second balls after direct passes and combined well through midfield, creating problems for the home defence. Rossi was forced into two strong saves, and the visitors hit the woodwork before Alex Sandro cleared off the line.
Flamengo looked hurried early on, misplacing passes and speeding up their play without purpose. Gradually they settled and began to move the ball with more patience, and Pedro was the main outlet, creating the side’s clearest chances, though without ever finding real fluency.
Defensive resistance and a red card
Estudiantes’ shape in front of the area was again impressive, with blocks and interceptions across the defensive line. Flamengo did not hit the target in the first 47 minutes.
Flamengo improved after the break, circulating the ball more effectively in the final third. Their pressure grew, and the visitors were pinned back. Baltasar Rodríguez was shown a second yellow card for pulling back Samuel Lino and was sent off, leaving Estudiantes with ten men. Still, the hosts could not turn their dominance into a breakthrough, and the Argentine side held on.
Shootout heartbreak
Substitutions did little to change the picture. Arrascaeta came on, but Flamengo still struggled to create openings against a disciplined defence. Plata got a chance, heading straight at Muslera, and in the end the tie went to penalties, where Flamengo’s misses proved decisive.
Source: ge.globo.com
