Flamengo falls to penalties against Estudiantes and bids farewell to Libertadores

Flamengo were eliminated from the Libertadores 2026 on Thursday night after losing to Estudiantes of Argentina 3-2 in the penalty shootout at Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. After a tie without goals in regulatory time, the Carioca team failed to beat goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who defended three collections and secured the Argentines' qualification for the mainland final.

The elimination was even more painful for the red-black fans because Flamengo played with an extra player during practically the entire second stage. Despite the numerical advantage and the support of the fans, the team led by Leonardo Jardim failed to turn the territorial dominance into goals.

Flamengo has a numerical advantage but can't score

The confrontation began in balance, with Estudiantes trying to surprise Flamengo through offensive plays. Gradually, the Brazilian team began to control ball possession and occupy the attacking field, but found it difficult to overcome the defensive organization of the Argentines.

The moment that seemed to change the fate of the match came just four minutes into the second half. Baltasar Rodríguez received the second yellow card and was expelled, leaving Estudiantes with ten players.

With the numerical superiority, Flamengo intensified the pressure and began to seek spaces in the opponent's defense. However, the team bet mainly on crosses and found it difficult to create clear goals opportunities.

Students managed to resist the Brazilians and led the decision of the spot for the maximum penalties.

Muslera defends three penalties and eliminates Flamengo

In the penalty shootout, Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera became the main character of the night.

Flamengo began with Arrascaeta converting his collection, but saw Jorginho and Lucas Paquetá stop in the opponent's archer's defenses. Léo Pereira also scored for the Brazilians, keeping the hopes of qualifying.

However, Bruno Henrique had the opportunity to keep the Red-Black alive in the dispute and also stopped at Muslera. With the victory by 3 to 2, Estudiantes confirmed the qualification for the decision of the Libertadores.

The result ended Flamengo’s dream of winning the second consecutive continental title and reaching the pentachampions of the competition.

Students face Palmeiras in the final of the Libertadores

With the qualification, Estudiantes will have Palmeiras in front in the big decision of the Copa Libertadores 2026.

The final is scheduled for November 28, at the Estadio Centenario, in Montevideo, Uruguay.

The Argentine club seeks its fifth title of the competition, while Palmeiras tries to win the fourth cup in its history.

Flamengo will need to focus their attention on the final straight of the Brazilian Championship. The team's next match will be against Atlético-MG on Monday (26), at 8 pm, at Maracanã.

Elimination also increases the pressure on Leonardo Jardim’s work, especially by the offensive difficulties presented by the team even in front of an opponent with one player less.