Flamengo faces Estudiantes in Libertadores quarterfinals showdown

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Flamengo takes on Estudiantes tonight, September 18, at 9:30 p.m. local time, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals at Maracanã Stadium. The match is crucial, as the winner will advance to the semifinals, facing either Vélez Sarsfield or Racing Club.

Flamengo comes into this match with strong momentum after eliminating Internacional in the previous round. The team has gone nine games without a loss across all competitions, including a leading position in the Brazilian league with 50 points from 22 matches.

Coach Filipe Luís has his eyes set on securing a home advantage ahead of the return leg in Argentina next week. Unfortunately, Flamengo will likely miss key players Jorginho and Alex Sandro due to injury.

On the opposing side, Estudiantes finished first in their group and overcame Cerro Porteño to reach this stage. Despite facing two recent defeats in the Argentine league, Estudiantes has a reputation for being formidable in knockout matches, particularly when playing away.

Estudiantes’ coach Eduardo Domínguez will have to contend without two important players for this match. Left-back Leandro González Pirez and forward Edwuin Cetré both suffered injuries during their last game against River Plate.

According to the expected lineups, Flamengo will field Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas; De la Cruz, Saúl, and Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino, and Pedro. In contrast, Estudiantes will likely start Fernando Muslera; Román Gómez, Santiago Núñez, Facundo Rodríguez, and Santiago Arzamendia; Tiago Palacios, Gabriel Neves, Santiago Ascacíbar, Mikel Amondarain, and Cristian Medina; with Guido Carrillo at the front.

The match will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, allowing fans to tune in for what promises to be an exciting encounter.