Estudiantes de La Plata vs Flamengo: Their Full Copa Libertadores Rivalry Ahead of the 2026 Semifinal
Estudiantes de La Plata and Flamengo have crossed paths repeatedly in recent Copa Libertadores history, and Flamengo have had the upper hand nearly every time — including a penalty shootout that ended Estudiantes' 2025 campaign. Twelve months later, they meet again, this time in the semifinals.
A Rivalry Dating Back to 1988
Their first-ever meeting came in the 1988 Copa Libertadores: a draw in Argentina followed by a 3-0 win for Flamengo in the return leg in Brazil — an early sign of the pattern that would follow. Flamengo has held a clear historical edge over Estudiantes across their matches since.
2025 Quarterfinals: Penalty Heartbreak for Estudiantes
The two met in last year's Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. Flamengo won the first leg 2-1 in Rio, and Estudiantes leveled the aggregate with a 1-0 win at home in La Plata — only for Flamengo to advance on penalties, 4-2, ending Estudiantes' run one round short of the semifinals they've now finally reached.
2026 Group Stage: A Split Series
Drawn into the same group in the 2026 group stage, the two met twice more: a 1-1 draw in La Plata, then a 1-0 win for Flamengo at the Maracanã. Flamengo topped the group; Estudiantes advanced in second place — and the two were kept apart until now, when a final spot is finally on the line.
The 2026 Semifinal: A Chance for Revenge
First leg October 13 in La Plata, second leg October 20 at the Maracanã, with the winner advancing to the November 28 final in Montevideo. For Estudiantes, it is a direct chance to avenge last year's penalty exit against the same opponent, one round further along.