Flamengo played out a 0-0 draw with Estudiantes in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semi-final clash on Thursday, 15 October 2026. The match, held in Argentina, means Flamengo’s challenging run of results in the country continues, marking their seventh consecutive game without a victory on Argentine soil.
The highly anticipated encounter saw neither team able to break the deadlock, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg. Details of the draw were reported by ge.
Flamengo’s Recent Form in Argentina
The goalless draw extends Flamengo’s winless streak in Argentina to seven matches. Their last victory in the country dates back to 2022, when they defeated Vélez Sarsfield 4-0 in the same competition’s semi-final stage. In that match, current squad member Pedro scored a hat-trick, with Everton Ribeiro netting the other goal, as reported by Metrópoles.
Since that 2022 triumph, Flamengo has endured a series of four draws and two losses across various Copa Libertadores and Recopa Sul-Americana fixtures. Notable results include a 1-0 defeat to Estudiantes in 2025 (though Flamengo advanced 4-2 on penalties) and a 1-0 loss to Lanús in the 2026 Recopa Sul-Americana. They also drew 1-1 with Estudiantes in the 2026 Libertadores group stage.
Historical Context and Pre-Match Insights
Historically, Flamengo holds an advantage over Estudiantes in their head-to-head encounters, a factor highlighted by O Dia. The two clubs have met recently, including in the 2026 Libertadores group stage and the 2025 quarter-finals.
Ahead of the semi-final, there was controversy surrounding Estudiantes defender Rojo, whose registration was rejected by CONMEBOL. The Argentine club plans to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).
Figures associated with Flamengo have offered their perspectives on the match. Ronaldinho, the legendary former player, issued a message of support to motivate the team, while former midfielder Zinho described Flamengo as the ‘best South American team’ and a favourite for the tie, though he cautioned about the pressure from Estudiantes. Flamengo attacker Lino also acknowledged the intense atmosphere expected in La Plata.
Flamengo’s consistent presence in the later stages of the Copa Libertadores is a testament to their strength, recalling previous clashes such as when Flamengo and Cruzeiro clashed in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, or the reactions from coaches following the Cruzeiro vs Flamengo Libertadores draw. Player movements, like the potential for Matías Viña to return to Flamengo, also often factor into team dynamics.