GOLAZONEWSFlamengo and Estudiantes Draw in Libertadores Semifinal First Leg
- Flamengo held Estudiantes to a 0-0 draw in the Libertadores semifinal first leg.
- Coach Leonardo Jardim described the match as playing out as expected.
- Lucas Paquetá was cautioned for a challenge on Piovi during the second half.
Flamengo secured a scoreless draw against Estudiantes in La Plata during the first leg of the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores semifinal on Thursday. Despite facing significant pressure from the hosts, the Brazilian side successfully kept a clean sheet.
Head coach Leonardo Jardim noted that the match unfolded within the parameters the club had anticipated, though he acknowledged difficulties in maintaining possession due to the aggressive physical nature of the game. Midfielder Lucas Paquetá characterized the performance as intelligent, emphasizing the value of deciding the series at the Maracanã.
The match featured a contentious moment in the 62nd minute when Paquetá received a yellow card for a challenge on Piovi. The decision sparked protests from the Estudiantes players, who demanded an expulsion. While Flamengo struggled offensively throughout the evening, the result leaves the defending South American champions needing a simple home victory to reach another continental final.